The Most Obvious Function Of Drug Control - 1600 Words

The most obvious function of drug control, and the primary reason lawmakers cite is to reduce the amount of a specific drug that is used (Mc Neece, Dinitto, 2012 pg. 203). However societal regulation appears to be motivated by which drugs are stable sources of wealth and power and whether drugs may threaten established business and profit. As a result, federal policies are for more concerned with preventing recreational drug use than helping addicts. According to the â€Å" The War on Drugs Winners and Losers â€Å" Ronald Regan introduced the self- perpetuating never- ending war on drugs and in the process generated funding for the third- largest growth industry in the united states (U.S.). In addition funding for drug treatment dropped†¦show more content†¦The majority of hard core drug addicts do not receive treatment in the U.S. and the number of drug- related deaths has doubled since 1979. â€Å"Only the general public takes causalities, while police and prosecutors benefit from the war through increased budgets and a 1984 the federal crime bill changed incentives for police in drug enforcement, allowing them to share in the assets seized†(Film on Demand, 1999). The final, and most ignored, aspect to this is the question of sovereignty over one’s own consciousness. Since the 1960s, more evidence is forthcoming in presenting the advantageous properties of certain naturally occurring plants and fungi, while some countries and states have already legalized marijuana, peyote, and ayahuasca for medicinal and therapeutic benefits and the potential outcome of legalizing them. In his speech, Ronald Reagan stated â€Å"The American people are willing to make it clear that illegal drug and alcohol use will no longer be tolerated† and it was time to take the necessary â€Å"steps to rid America of this deeply disruptive and corrosive evil†¦ to defeat this enemy, we’ve got to do it as one people together un ited in the purpose and committed to victory† (Films on Demand, 1999). However, many of the American people do not agree with this stance and it is those very people who have been targeted by the authorities; the rate of imprisonment is greater than almost any other