DRUGS



DRUGS

Drug addiction or drug dependence is an increasing epidemic worldwide. Drug legalization or at least decriminalization has been debated for decades as a solution to the drug problem. In deed, in some cases legalization seems logical but in some circumstances it is not. The relationship between drugs and crime, the differences and similarities between alcohol and drugs and the benefits of a free trade approach in drug legalization.

One of the most controversial topics about drug legalization is relationship between drugs and crime. A common argument about either decriminalization or legalization is that if drugs are legalized, crime will be influenced substantially. In his essay, ‘Toward a Policy on Drugs,’ Elliot Currie shows that there are strong links between crime and drug addiction. As Currie points out, crime rate is affected significantly by using drugs. Both drug dealers and especially drug users are involved in serious crimes, like robbery, burglary, assault, because of just trying to obtain drugs. He says that, ‘One explanation and perhaps the most common one, is that the increased need for money to buy drugs drives addicts into more crime.’ (92) Currie exclusively indicates that the violence of addicted people cannot be ignored but it must be known that, the real violence which is committed by these people occur in the period of looking for drugs. If addicts can not find the drug then crave, many will commit crimes. In her article, ‘Legalize Drugs now! ,’ Meaghan Cussen maintains that legalizing addictive drugs provides a decrease in crimes. She says that, the lowered price of drugs will reduce murder and the theft caused by high price of narcotics. When addicted people couldn’t find narcotics just because of their price, they can easily commit crimes what they want. Also if addictive drugs are made legal, gangs and mafias battles and street violence about drugs will be

reduced. Unfortunately because of gangs’ wars and battles, a lot of innocent people will come to harm. In addition Cussen indicates that cartels become very crucial in drugs businesses that create great profit by using collaboration. In consideration of equal distribution of drug revenue, terrorist activity can not be supported very much. Regrettably drug related crimes increase in real terms obviously that people have to prevent this augmentation. As Cussen explains, the only way to decrease and eliminate the drug related crimes is legalization. The vast majority of burglaries, muggings, and car thefts are committed by people who are trying to support an illegal drug habit. If all drugs were legalized, then there would be huge drops in these crimes.

Many people draw parallels between the prohibition of alcohol and drug use but they can’t agree on the consequences. Increase in crime before and after prohibition of alcohol. In the 1920’s, USA government thought that alcohol was caused crimes so the dignity of the country prohibited the alcohol everywhere in country. But even during Prohibition, alcohol related crime rate grow considerably. A lot of underground markets of alcohol grew and very hazardous lifestyles appeared in this time period. When prohibition ended, the alcohol related crimes decreased and people understand that legalization is the best solution that ceased crimes.

Alcohol and drugs can cause devastating effects on society but experts disagree on the seriousness of the effects. There is no doubt that alcohol and kind of drugs like heroin, marijuana and cocaine are very different. But regrettably people have to know whether alcohol or drugs make people addicted and they are very hazardous for people in very different ways. In his essay, ‘Against the Legalization of Drugs,’ James Q. Wilson points out that alcohol is a drug like heroin, marijuana or cocaine. Wilson admit that ‘Alcohols, like

heroin, cocaine, PCP, and marijuana, is a drug – that is, a mood altering substance – and consumed to excess it certainly has harmful consequences auto accident, barroom fights,

bedroom shootings. ’( 85)According to Wilson, even thought alcohol abuse is much higher than drug abuse like heroin or cocaine, addictive drugs are much higher than alcohol. In his ‘Drug Policy and the Intellectuals’ essay, William J. Bennett maintains rather legalizing alcohol or not and what circumstances will be occured when people legalize it. Bennet claims that ‘But at least we should admit that legalized alcohol, which is responsible for some 100,000 deaths a year, is hardly a model for drug policy. ’ ( 78 ) As Bennet suggest that alcohol is a very dangerous substance and people should understand that both narcotics -like marijuana, heroin, cocaine- and alcohol should not be legalized because of just their damages on people’s health. Briefly, one of the biggest problems people cope with today is the addiction of drugs and alcohol. The effects of taking these drugs are dangerous: domestic violence, crimes, accidents, sexual assault or becoming infected with HIV/AIDS.

According to some experts the free market approach can be financially beneficial if drugs are legalized. People have debated this issue very seriously since very long time. In his essay, ‘Legalize Drugs now! ,’ Meaghan Cussen promotes free trade as a benefit of drug legalization. She claims that, free trade can be very beneficial for both the drug dealer and the drug user. For instance, assume that one wants to sell his t-shirt because he needs money. Then he meets another person who wants to buy a t-shirt and they come to an agreement about money. Sides, buyer and seller, gain something because for buyer, t-shirt is more valuable, while for seller money is more valuable. This issue is the same in drug dealings. Even though seller wants to get buyer desires drugs with all one’s heart. On ethical or moral grounds people don’t want to accept this transaction. However there is no transaction that all

people will approve or agree with completely. Currie argues that, free market approach has serious consequences. He says ‘The most important for a free market approach has

traditionally been that it would reduce or eliminate the crime and violence now inextricably entwined with addiction to drugs and with the drug trade.’ (91) Also Currie states, free market approach circumvent, culture of both antigovernment and individualistic. Antigovernment activity will realize and appreciate this issue incorrectly. Against of government people consider free trade like a chance that they can improve themselves easily and strongly. Both

Currie and Cussen try to indicate the importance of free trade in drug dealings in different perspective.

In conclusion, legalization of drugs will definitely stop an enormous number of deaths; will eliminate the sorts of crimes, harmony and peace to societies. Drug legalization is debated nearly all over the world. The debate over drug legalization, while rooted in real-world concerns over crime, violence, free trade approach and relation ship between alcohol and drugs, is also about values. When addictive drugs are made legal, crime will decrease substantially. Most murders are associated with the selling of illegal drugs. If drugs were legalized, then murder rates would drop a lot. Also free trade approach has very crucial consequences. In fact there is no exact solution but if we consider about either relationship between drugs and crime or free trade approach people can think legalization logical. However when people contemplate alcohol and drug, one’s decision will change.

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