Why do you think Americans use so many legal drugs (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, and OTC drugs)? Does society promote extensive drug use? In reviewing the 3 broad explanations of addiction-biological, psychological, and sociological-which theory or theories do you think best explain drug use? If illicit drug use was decriminalized, what would be the impact on the drug-related social problems? Give 2 examples of the impact, good or bad, of drug-related social problems

In our society today, the use of legal drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, and OTC drugs are being used at an alarming rate. The media plaster alluring images for all to see as an acceptable part of everyday life. For example, well-known alcoholic beverage companies advertise in ways that portray their products as fun and a normal part of everyday life, by the use of appealing images of majestic animals and catchy slogans. OTC drugs companies also use many different media avenues to promote their products to the public, which presents them as widely accepted and normal for happy, healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many of Americans become addicted to these legal drugs and the outcome is not happy or healthy, it is in most cases very destructive.

There are many theories that attempt to explain addictions. However, I feel psychological theory gives the best explanation. The psychological theory explains drug use as being driven by mental, emotional, and social factors. For example, a person who is battling anxiety and low self-esteem might turn to drugs to escape their intense emotions. Another person may use drugs to fit in with their peers. Many know that drug use is destructive, but they are not deterred from using. They convince themselves the good effects outweigh the bad that could happen. I can relate as I started smoking at a very young age by the encouragement of my older cousins. I was dealing with extreme anxiety from abuse at home and felt the need to fit in somewhere. Smoking at the time made me feel less anxious and created a false sense of a common bond with others. However, this destructive behavior lead to a strong addiction that I am still battlingmany years later.

Many in our society feel illicit drugs such as marijuana should be decriminalized. I feel there would be a great impact on society, both good and bad. The good relates to those that use this drug for health reasons. Marijuana is widely used by cancer patients for pain and appetite. My husband who has been battling a rare blood cancer for several years was prescribed a synthetic form of this drug to help with his appetite, which worked great with minimal side effects. Unfortunately with any drug there are many that become addicted. If a drug such as marijuana was legalized for anything other than medical, the effects could be just as devastating as alcohol and cigarettes.