Drug Use in the United States

Drug Use in relation to Crime and Race

Drug Use is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: Drug use refers to individual behaviors that involve the consumption of alcohol and use of other illicit drugs including nonprescription drugs. Some individuals use drugs for recreational purposes, others have a more serious problem of drug abuse, while the extreme form of drug use is addiction. Drug use can have serious consequences not only for individuals but for families, schools, communities, social institutions, the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and the private sector. This section examines the extent of drug use, drug of choice, drugs and race, and drug use and crime. During the first decade of the 21 st century, drug use continues to be a social problem. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), during 2007, approximately 19.9 million Americans age 12 and older, used illegal drugs.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Drug Use in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

See Also

Drug Use by Juveniles in relation to Crime and Race

Drug Use by Juveniles is included in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime (1), beginning with: Psychoactive drug use is a mainstay of American culture, with use dating to the nation’s founding. Most adult drug users report adolescence as the time in which drug initiation occurred for them. Due to the potential negative consequences that juvenile drug use poses, considerable effort has been made toward understanding the consequences, prevalence, and causes of this public health problem. This section provides a brief overview of each of these dimensions. Where applicable, components are discussed within the context of race. Psychoactive drug use poses considerable negative consequences for individual users, families, and society in general. On the economic front, costs are astronomical. In 2002, costs stemming from adult and juvenile drug treatment, drug law enforcement, lost productivity, and insurance totaled $180.8 billion. Underage drinking alone costs taxpayers $62 billion a year.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Entry about Drug Use by Juveniles in the Encyclopedia of Race and Crime

See Also