Drug use in our society is a problem. Our society has come up with various solutions to the problem including legalization and rehabilitation. There are benefits and drawbacks to each possible solution to this problem.

The abuse of prescription and street drugs is a global social problem. This is seen by answering the four questions in Section 1.1 of the textbook about how to recognize a social problem. These questions are:

1. Is the issue part of a social pattern, a repeated set of characteristics, behaviors, or events associated with a social institution or influence? Do more than just a few people face these issues?

2. Does the issue violate the core values of a society, or what we deem important? Does this social pattern violate a value we hold dear?

3. Does the issue negatively impact those in power - those who have the most control over how society operates? Do those in power consider the social pattern to be problematic?

4. Is the issue socially created? Can society do something to change it, if enough people choose to confront it (Korgen & Furst, 2012, Sec. 1.1)?