Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System - 1396 Words

Frank Herton CJ411: Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System Unit 2 Assignment May 1, 2012 Drug and alcohol abuse has been around as long as humans have been around. People have always had the desire to use substances to make them feel relaxed or stimulated. So because drugs and alcohol have always been existent, they have always been a part of our American culture through politics, media and advertising, and other American concepts. The time period of 1950-2000 was exceptionally active for American culture, and there were many turning points in research and knowledge, legislature, media, and how the general public viewed drug and alcohol use. From approximately 1950-1980, law firms defending tobacco companies really had†¦show more content†¦The following is a passage from First Lady, Nancy Reagan’s speech: â€Å"As we mobilize for this national crusade, I’m mindful that drugs are a constant temptation for millions. Please remember this when your courage is tested: You are Americans. You’re the product of the freest society mankind has ever known. No one, ever, has the right to destroy your dreams and shatter your life,† (â€Å"Just Say No: Address to the Nation,† 2007). Whether it was because of the â€Å"Just Say No† campaign or not, drug use among high school students was at a decline when Reagan left office (â€Å"Just Say No: Address to the Nation,† 2007). In the 1980’s, crack cocaine became a problem in the United States. Richard Pryor may have been the one to initially introduce crack cocaine to America when he reportedly ignited himself while attempting to smoke crack cocaine (â€Å"History of Drugs in America: Timeline of Important Dates,† 2012). Crack was cheap, simple to produce, ready for use, and very profitable for dealers, and it started surfacing in major US cities as early as 1981. The first crack house was discovered in Miami in 1982, but the drug was not taken as a serious threat at first. However, there was a dramatic increase in the crack cocaine epidemic b y 1985. In the few short years, people who admitted to using cocaine increased from 4.2 million to 5.8 million people, and in 1985, cocaine related hospital emergenciesShow MoreRelatedRelationship Between Drug And Crime1050 Words   |  5 PagesIs There a Relationship between drug and crime? Is there a relationship between drug and crime? My topic is deliberately based on whether or not there is a relationship between drug crime. My reasoning and facts should persuade you to believe that crime drug are related. My essay will have quotes, facts, and reasoning, which will all revolve on my essential question. Drug related offenses and a drug-using lifestyle are major contributors to the U.S crime problem. 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