Drug abuse has been defined as a significant social problem. This discussion provides an opportunity to
examine this problem as well as the ways in which our reliance on punishment as a solution to drug abuse
has changed over the years, given the different populations now impacted by the problem.
For this discussion, review the following resources:
Race, poverty and punishment: The impact of criminal sanctions on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
inequality (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Opiate Addiction: Sociologists Construct Distinct Profiles For Heroin And Prescription Painkiller Users
(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
War on Drugs Failure Gives Way To Treatment in States, Cities (Links to an external site. )Links to an
external site.
Race, poverty and punishment: The impact of criminal sanctions on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic
inequality
When Addiction has a White Face (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Recommended: Chasing Heroin (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (for transcript click here
(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.)
After reviewing the required resources for this discussion, please address each of the following:
How has the issue of drug addiction and the ‘war on drugs’ changed over the past 20 years? In particular,
how have the populations impacted by drugs changed?
Is drug addiction treated as a crime or as a medical issue in our society? In your informed opinion, which
should it be? Defend your answer using the resources provided.
Sample Solution
