The war on drugs in America has stretched over nearly five decades and cost over one trillion. Yet, despite that extended and expensive effort, dealers still sell drugs to users every day. Hundreds of thousands of people sit in prison cells on drug convictions, with more added every day. Many consider the war on drugs an abject policy failure.
The War on Drugs Begins
The modern American crackdown on drugs got its start with the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970. President Nixon expanded on this with the creation of the Drug Enforcement Agency in 1974. Nixon also spent time and money implementing treatment programs. Later administrations involved the CIA and US military forces in the effort, but with little to no success.
Drug Laws and Sentencing
Many of the drug laws passed in the 1980s targeted both people trafficking drugs and people possessing drugs. These laws often imposed different sentences depending on the drug in question. For example, possession of crack-cocaine could get you a much harsher sentence than possession of powdered cocaine. Many considered these laws as discriminatory since they targeted minority drug users.
Overall Failure
Virtually every study ever done on the war on drugs shows either failure or inconclusive results. Drugs continue flowing into the country with no end in sight. There are even some arguments that the government efforts make drugs more profitable. By slightly reducing supply, dealers can ask for and get higher prices for drugs.
Alternative Approach
Both drug and mental health experts generally agree that the best way to combat drug use is through treatment. This involves a shift from viewing addiction as a criminal issue to seeing it as a dire healthcare crisis. It takes the stance that rehabilitation, not punishment, is the solution to our nation’s problem with drugs. Some of the best drug rehabilitation therapies include:
- CBT
- Process group therapy
- Family therapy
- Meditation
- Yoga therapy
The thinking goes that the market dries up if you help the drug customers get clean and stay clean. By contrast, incarceration just punishes people. It doesn’t give them tools for staying off drugs. The moment you put them back into society, the odds of relapse are extremely high.
About Us
Ashley Addiction Treatment offers holistic care toward recovery that includes mind, body, and spirit. We provide both evidence-based therapies, as well as holistic methods like acupuncture, massage, and music therapy. Our campus sits on 147 acres of land that overlook the Chesapeake Bay.
Don’t let addiction steal any more of your life. With the right support and treatment options like those at Ashley Addiction Treatment, you can take back control. Call us today at 866-313-6310 to learn more about our services and programs.