cause of drug trafficking essay

Essay on Drug Abuse

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Introduction.

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking are global problems. These issues affect society’s health, safety, and well-being. Drug abuse refers to the harmful use of drugs, while illicit trafficking involves illegal trade of drugs.

Effects of Drug Abuse

Illicit drug trafficking.

Illicit drug trafficking is a serious crime. It involves the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs. This trade fuels crime, violence, and corruption.

To fight drug abuse and illicit trafficking, we need education, law enforcement, and treatment programs. It’s a fight that needs everyone’s participation.

250 Words Essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The scourge of drug abuse.

Drug abuse is not confined to any demographic or socio-economic strata. It’s a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. The repercussions extend beyond health problems, leading to broken families, lost potential, and increased crime rates. The abuse of prescription drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) has emerged as a significant concern, highlighting the evolving nature of drug abuse.

Illicit Trafficking: A Global Problem

Illicit drug trafficking fuels organized crime, destabilizes societies, and undermines economic growth. The clandestine nature of drug trafficking makes it a complex issue to tackle. It’s a lucrative business for criminal networks due to the high demand for drugs and the significant profits involved.

The Interplay and Impact

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking form a vicious cycle. Increased availability of drugs due to illicit trafficking leads to higher rates of drug abuse. Conversely, the demand created by drug abuse fuels illicit trafficking. This interplay exacerbates the social and economic issues associated with each problem.

Addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires a holistic approach that includes education, prevention, treatment, and law enforcement efforts. It’s crucial to break the cycle of demand and supply to effectively combat these issues. By understanding the complexities and interconnectedness of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, we can develop more effective strategies to address these global problems.

500 Words Essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking are significant global issues that continue to pose a serious threat to public health, social stability, and economic development. They are intrinsically linked phenomena that reinforce each other, creating a vicious cycle that is challenging to break.

Illicit Drug Trafficking: A Global Concern

Illicit drug trafficking, on the other hand, is a global black market dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs that are subject to drug prohibition laws. It’s a highly profitable, yet dangerous business, often associated with powerful transnational organized crime networks. Its impacts are far-reaching, undermining social and economic development, political stability, and public health.

The Interplay between Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The relationship between drug abuse and illicit trafficking is symbiotic. The demand for drugs fuels the illicit trade, while the availability of drugs promotes abuse and addiction. This interplay creates a self-perpetuating cycle that exacerbates both problems.

The illicit drug trade also has a significant impact on drug abuse rates. The illegal nature of the business means that drugs are often cut with harmful substances, increasing the risk of overdose and other health complications. Furthermore, the lack of regulation makes it easier for individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as the youth, to access drugs.

Addressing the Issue

Education plays a crucial role in prevention. By raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, we can help individuals make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse and illicit trafficking are interconnected global problems that require concerted efforts to address. By understanding their interplay and implementing comprehensive strategies, we can work towards a future free from the devastating impacts of these phenomena. The challenge is daunting, but with the right approach, it is surmountable.

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Drugs, Violence, and Trauma in Mexico and the USA

Juan carlos puyana.

a Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Juan Carlos Jacob Puyana

b School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

Andres Mariano Rubiano

c Department of Neurosciences and Neurosurgery, El Bosque University, Bogotá, Colombia

Jorge Hernan Montenegro

d School of Medicine, South-Colombian University, Neiva, Colombia

Glyn O. Estebanez

e Department of Surgery, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK

Alvaro Ignacio Sanchez

f Department of Surgery, Valle University, Cali, Colombia

Felipe Vega-Rivera

g Department of Surgery, Angeles Lomas Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico

The impact of illicit drug markets on the occurrence of violence varies tremendously depending on many factors. Over the last years, Mexico and the USA have increased security border issues that included many aspects of drug-related trade and criminal activities. Mexico experienced only a small reduction in trauma deaths after the enforcement of severe crime reinforcement policies. This strategy in the war on drugs is shifting the drug market to other Central American countries. This phenomenon is called the ballooning effect, whereby the pressure to control illicit drug-related activities in one particular area forces a shift to other more vulnerable areas that leads to an increase in crime and violence. A human rights crisis characterized by suffering, injury, and death related to drug trafficking continues to expand, resulting in the exorbitant loss of lives and cost in productivity across the continent. The current climate of social violence in Central America and the illegal immigration to the USA may be partially related to this phenomenon of drug trafficking, gang violence, and crime. A health care initiative as an alternative to the current war approach may be one of the interventions needed to reduce this crisis.

Introduction

The trade of psychoactive and other drugs has existed since ancient times. The criminalization of drug possession and trade most likely occurred during the Middle Ages, and such prohibitive legislation has continued to the present day [ 1 ]. Illegal drug trafficking is a global black market. The impact of this market on the occurrence and magnitude of violence varies tremendously depending on many factors including the socioeconomic and cultural background of the countries and the regions affected by it [ 2 ]. The suffering, caused by the whole spectrum of “illegal drugs,” is tremendously diverse and affects all socioeconomic levels, and it demands the implementation of a wide range of interventions, not simply criminal penalization [ 2 ]. In this narrative review, the association between violence and the illicit drug trade in Mexico and the USA is analyzed, including its impact on the human crisis at the border and in neighboring regions.

The Context of Violence and Illicit Drug Trade in Mexico

In the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, drugs such as marijuana, opiates, and cocaine were commonly used in Mexico, predominantly for medical reasons [ 3 ]. Opium derivatives such as morphine and heroin, and pharmaceuticals such as cocaine, coca wines, and marijuana cigarettes, were prescribed by doctors and easily obtained in pharmacies, popular markets, and even hardware stores. The cultivation of opium in Mexico began during the latter part of the 19th century, primarily in northwestern states like Sinaloa, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango [ 3 ]. With increased consumption within the Mexican population, authorities put in place regulations to ensure improved production quality in an attempt to protect the consumers. However, the Mexican government at that time did not deem it necessary to prohibit the production and use of these drugs. The implementation of drug prohibition in the USA in the 1920s created ideal conditions for drug trafficking, with legal commerce on one side of the USA-Mexico border and prohibition on the other [ 3 ]. In 1917, the Mexican congress passed an amendment that prohibited the trade of opium, morphine, ether, cocaine, and marijuana under pressure from the US government. The key reasoning for outlawing the commerce of these substances was that they were deemed “noxious to health.” Despite these obstacles, the illicit drug trade continued to grow, with much of the smuggling activity taking place via Mexicali and Tijuana in the Baja California territory. In the 1930s, as a response to the passing of the USA marijuana tax act, marijuana production increased substantially in Mexico [ 3 ]. In 1947, the Mexican government created the Federal Security Agency, a police force with power to intervene in drug-related issues. The initial investigations of the agency revealed that several politicians within the border regions were directly involved in, and in some cases even in control of, the illegal trafficking businesses. In most border cities, the individuals involved in the drug trade were merchants, including people from all social classes. Later, these individuals and their future generations succeeded in establishing a drug-trafficking dynasty that allowed their illicit businesses to grow and spread nationwide [ 3 ]. It was estimated that by the 1960s there were approximately 300 clandestine airfields in Northern Mexico, making the country extremely appealing to the Colombian cartels that were looking for a suitable center for distribution to the USA. By the late 1970s the drug-trafficking business in Mexico and its related violence had grown dramatically in collaboration with the Colombian cartels. Regular confrontations began between rival trafficking groups and also against the police within urban areas of several cities. The trade of marijuana from Mexico to the USA was further enhanced by the demands of some soldiers addicted to drugs returning from war areas in the Far East [ 3 ].

Faced with the increasing influx of illicit drugs into the USA from Mexico, President Nixon's government launched a plan for rigorous inspection of vehicles crossing the border [ 2 ]. Around the same time, the Mexican government initiated a series of military operations against the drug traffickers and their plantations, destroying tons of drugs. However, despite these actions, drugs continued to flow into the US market as Colombian marijuana replaced Mexican marijuana and the business relationship between the “cartels” of both countries began to flourish. This alliance resulted in an era of unparalleled success for drug trafficking, fueled by the increasing demand for Andean cocaine during the 1980s and the 1990s [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].

The US “war on drugs” policy attempted to tackle the trafficking problems within Mexico. Mexican cartels including the “Sinaloa” and the “Tijuana” cartels were prosecuted. Despite these apparent successes, drug-related violence increased, largely as a result of the new strategies used by traffickers following the dissolution of the Colombian cartels [ 5 ]. Mexico now serves as the new stage for the war on drugs. US authorities have estimated that close to 90% of the cocaine entering the country crossed the USA-Mexico land border [ 6 ]. Mexico is currently experiencing a situation comparable to that of Colombia two decades ago, with increased violence, kidnappings, and murders, and a rampant increase in crime, with two critical disadvantages [ 5 ]. Firstly, the government is attempting to tackle a social problem, whose participants infect different levels of the country's social spectrum with corruption, bloody intimidating behavior, and a total disregard for authority. Second, the territory of Mexico is extensive and is more difficult to control, with expansion into less organized countries on the extremely vulnerable south region due to a poor socioeconomic status leading to public insecurity worsened by limited law enforcement institutions [ 6 ].

Drug-Related Violence and Injuries in Mexico

The first national addiction survey in Mexico was conducted in 1988 [ 3 ]. Marijuana, inhalants, and tranquilizers were the most commonly used drugs, along with tobacco and alcohol. Compared to the consumption in the USA, the prevalence in Mexico was less than one tenth for each drug and age group [ 3 ]. In a more recent survey conducted in an emergency room in Mexico City, 7.5% of the patients reported illicit drug use during the preceding twelve months, with marijuana and cocaine being the most frequently used (i.e., 66 and 38%, respectively) [ 7 , 8 ]. Drug-related violence is a major problem in Mexico, with official figures reporting the occurrence of approximately 28,000 drug-related killings in the past 4 years [ 9 ]. Between January and September of 2009, there were 5,874 drug-related murders in Mexico, an increase of almost 5% over the same period the previous year [ 10 ]. Agovernment analysis of the 6,000 people who died in 2008 as a result of organized crime violence revealed that 9 out of 10 of those deaths involved either individuals associated with the drug trade or law enforcement officials [ 11 , 12 ]. In 2008, the Mérida Initiative was started as a plan to support the Mexican war against drugs, including the war in other Central American countries [ 4 ]. Close to USD 1.4 billion were offered to reinforce and bring technical assistance to the law enforcement in Mexico. Under this plan, fourteen new prisons were built, with a capacity of 20,000 prisoners/prison. According to government sources, crime related to drug-trafficking peaked in 2007, and it has been decreasing since 2008 [ 13 ]. Forty-six percent of the Mexican population is considered poor and at least 28% is considered as socially vulnerable to extreme poverty. A report of 2012 showed that at least 11.5 million Mexican citizens did not have enough income to cover basic social needs such as health, a home, education, and food [ 14 ]. According to studies in Mexico, the number of homicides grew from 8,867 in 2007 to 27,199 in 2011 [ 15 ]. In 2010 and 2011, violence-related to drug-trafficking was associated with 63.4 and 53.8% of the total intentional deaths in Mexico [ 15 ]. The increased risk and intensity of violence and its relation to the proximity to the USA-Mexico border was exemplified by the fact that the border city of Juárez was the scene of more than one fifth of recent drug-related murders [ 15 ]. In 2012, drug trafficking and organized crime style homicides were most concentrated in the central and eastern border region, as well as in central Pacific coast states [ 15 ].

The Context of Violence and Illicit Drug Trade in the USA

The first law prohibiting the use of a specific drug in the USA was a San Francisco ordinance that banned the smoking of opium in 1875 but not other forms of opium consumption [ 16 ]. This was followed by other laws throughout the country and federal laws which barred Chinese people from trafficking in opium [ 16 , 17 ]. Though the laws affected the use and distribution of opium by Chinese immigrants, no action was taken against the producers of such products as tincture of opium and alcohol, commonly taken as a medicine by US citizens [ 16 , 17 ]. Between 150,000 and 200,000 opiate addicts lived in the USA in the late 19th century, and approximately three-quarters of these addicts were women who had been given the drug by physicians or pharmacists for the relief of painful menstruation [ 17 ]. In the USA, the road to prohibition of cocaine began in the early part of the twentieth century. Newspapers began reporting stories of “cocaine addicts' violent behavior” and creating a national sense of panic. This public concern culminated in the passing of the Harrison Act in 1914, which required sellers of opiates and cocaine to apply for a license [ 16 , 17 ]. Although its original purpose was to create paper trails of drug transactions between doctors, drug stores, and patients, the Harrison Act soon became a prohibitive law. However, due to its vague wording, the US judicial system did not initially accept drug prohibition. Prosecutors argued that possessing drugs was a tax violation, as no legal licenses to sell drugs were in existence; hence, a person possessing drugs must have purchased them from an unlicensed source. After some time, this was accepted as federal jurisdiction under the interstate commerce clause of the US Constitution. In 1919, the Supreme Court ruled that the Harrison Act was constitutional and physicians could not prescribe narcotics solely for maintenance [ 17 ]. In a landmark trial, the court upheld that it was a violation of the Harrison Act even if a physician provided a prescription of a narcotic for the treatment of an addict, and thus they would be subject to criminal prosecution [ 16 , 17 ]. The original advocates of the Harrison Act did not support the prohibition of the drugs involved and this was also true of the Marijuana Tax Act introduced in 1937 [ 17 ]. This latter act allowed the levying of a tax on cannabis trade and also introduced fines, and even jail sentences, for the handlers of hemp and marijuana who violated strict governmental procedures. The passing of the marijuana tax act was successful despite a last-minute opposition from the American Medical Association, which believed that it would prevent a potentially useful medical treatment being provided to the public [ 17 ]. Following the end of WWII, the lack of a consistent prohibitory policy resulted in a rise in drug use among young people. The absence of uniform regulation of drug prohibition led to several significant milestones, including the introduction of the single convention on narcotic drugs in 1961 and the passing of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. In 1972, Nixon launched the so-called war on drugs which was continued by Reagan who created the position of the drug “czar” within the US government. This approach was adopted largely due to the burden of the illegal drug trade in Miami during the 1970s and 1980s [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. During this period marijuana imports were replaced by cocaine and the vast sums of money being made by the traffickers in Miami began to fuel the economic growth that took place in the city during that period. The money managed by the traffickers began to flow in large quantities into various legitimate businesses including banks, restaurants, and nightclubs. The intense gangland violence associated with the trade and the lawless and corrupt atmosphere in Miami at that time resulted in the gangsters called the “Cocaine Cowboys.” Most of those gangs were associated with the Colombian cartels from Medellin and Cali. During that time, the US government called for increased levels of law enforcement and economic assistance for Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia with the initiation of the US International Counter Narcotics Strategy [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. It was also announced that US help would be dispatched to Colombia to advise and assist security forces in counter narcotics techniques. One of the key strategies initiated to tackle the problem of drug trafficking was the USD 1.5 billion-financed program known as “Plan Colombia” [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].

Drug-Related Violence and Injuries in the USA

According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health [ 23 ], 35.3 million Americans aged 12 and older reported having used cocaine, and 8.5 million reported having used crack. An estimated 2.4 million Americans were current users of cocaine and 702,000 were current users of crack. There were an estimated 977,000 new users of cocaine in 2006, most of whom were aged ≥18 years when they first used cocaine. Among young adults aged 18–25 years, the 2006 use rate was 6.9% (no significant difference from 2005) [ 23 ]. According to a 2007 survey, cocaine use among students remained at an unacceptably high level, with 3.1% of 8th graders, 5.3% of 10th graders, and 7.8% of 12th graders having tried cocaine. Additionally, the survey revealed that 0.9% of 8th graders, 1.3% of 10th graders, and 2.0% of 12th graders were current cocaine users [ 12 ]. In 2008, 2.1% of the US population aged ≥12 years was estimated to have used cocaine in the previous year, and this figure fell from 2.5% in 2006 to 2.3% in 2007 [ 24 ].

In the absence of any legal means of settling disputes regarding business transactions, violence remains the predominant method for resolving disagreements within the illicit drug market. Additionally, individuals involved in the dealing of drugs often carry firearms for protection against any rival gangs or individuals, a point emphasized by a study that showed that approximately 80% of 19-year-old cocaine dealers in Pittsburgh carried armed weapons [ 25 ].

In 2005, approximately one third of all homicides were precipitated by other criminal activities, including drug trading, and in 2009, just in New York State, 54,000 hospital discharges were related to drugs [ 26 ]. According to the American Corrections Association, state prisons held 253,300 inmates for drug offenses in 2005, as shown in Figure Figure1. 1 . The average daily cost per state prison inmate per day in the USA is USD 67.55 (KWD 20.46), meaning that the USA spent approximately USD 17,110,415 per day to imprison drug offenders, or USD 6,245,301,475 per year [ 27 , 28 , 29 ].

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is mpp-0026-0309-g01.jpg

Trend of drug-related crimes committed in the USA, Mexico, and Colombia from 2003 to 2012 [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].

Over the past 40 years, more than USD 2.5 trillion have been spent fighting the illicit drug trade. Despite this, the war on drugs continues to be a human rights challenge, with not only a failed reduction in the introduction of drugs into the USA, but also with increasing levels of drug use and a number of lives lost due to the violence generated by these activities. The impact of this violence and related injuries is far more devastating in poor economies, causing a long-term stigma on these societies that may have spread beyond what could be predicted at any time in history. The current climate of social violence in Central America and the illegal immigration to the USA could be partially related to this phenomenon of drug trafficking, gang violence, and crime. A health care alternative policy shifting the actual criminal justice-based approach could minimize the human rights crisis that is increasing in the border region. Drug-related war areas in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have created a humanitarian crisis driving illegal immigrants to the USA-Mexico border. In 2014, more than 57,000 illegal immigrants cross the USA-Mexico border [ 30 ]. The history of Central American gang violence dates to the 1980s, when civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua sent thousands of people north in search of refuge. Some of the immigrants found their way into gangs in Los Angeles that wound up seeding drug-related violence back home, often after their members were deported from the USA. The explosion of the drug war in Mexico after the Mérida initiative exacerbated the gang-related violence in the other Central American countries. Of 178 suspected drug flights to and from South America in 2007, 132 were coming and going from the Caribbean. By 2011, only about 20 suspected drug flights were using the Caribbean as a waypoint. The rest of the traffic was arriving from or departing to Honduras [ 30 ]. The level of poverty and unmet social needs in countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua is correlated with the level of violence and crime (Fig. (Fig.2). 2 ). This correlation is alarming considering certain areas of Honduras are home to some of the highest murder rates per capita in the world. As the war-on-drugs policy continues, the human rights crisis in Central America increases, affecting not only those countries, but also their neighboring countries (Colombia and the USA). Recent reports from the health sector have provided different strategies for antidrug policy development in order to minimize the interaction between drug trafficking, drug consumption, injuries, and human rights violations [ 31 ]. The implications of these aspects are really important for clinical, social, and public policies as they are all connected. Drug abuse is a clinical disease motivated in part by social issues including family dysfunction, a lack of educational opportunities, and the absence of economic development policies. Many of these same aspects promote drug trading as an easy way to escape these issues. If public policies are not reinforced in order to tackle these social problems, we will maintain a vicious circle fueling the root of these situations. War-on-drugs policies are an easy way of bring “control” to a situation that needs deeper social changes that are possible only with public policies of education and wellbeing, including economic development and health care policies for drug abuse treated as a medical disease.

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Trend of intentional homicides in countries strongly involved in drug trafficking in the American region from 1999 to 2012 [ 35 ].

The limitations of this review include that it is a narrative report and many other sources of information might not be accessible. The interpretation of the information sources could have been biased by the perception of the authors who are involved in the management of trauma patients in affected countries.

A human rights crisis related to drug trafficking continues to expand across the American continent, directly generating an ever increasing number of injuries and deaths resulting in the exorbitant loss of lives and cost in productivity. The current climate of social violence in Central America and the illegal immigration to USA could be partially related to this phenomenon of drug trafficking, gang violence, and crime. A health care initiative as an alternative to the current war approach may be one of the interventions needed to reduce this crisis.

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the support of the MEDITECH Foundation research group and the work of the students of the Public Health, Social Development and Human Rights research group of South Colombian University in Neiva (Colombia).

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Mexico’s Long War: Drugs, Crime, and the Cartels

A Mexican Army expert shows crystal meth paste at a laboratory in Tecate, Mexico.

Mexican drug cartels are leading suppliers of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit narcotics to the United States.
The cartels and the drug trade fuel rampant corruption and violence in Mexico, contributing to tens of thousands of homicides in the country each year.
Since Mexico launched a war on the cartels in 2006, the United States has provided it with billions of dollars in security and counternarcotics assistance.

Introduction

Mexican authorities have been waging a deadly battle against drug cartels for more than a decade, but with limited success. Thousands of Mexicans—including politicians, students, and journalists—die in the conflict every year. The country has seen more than 360,000 homicides since 2006, when the government declared war on the cartels.

The United States has partnered closely with its southern neighbor in this fight, providing Mexico with billions of dollars to modernize its security forces, reform its judicial system, and fund development projects aimed at curbing migration at Mexico’s southern border. Washington has also sought to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States by bolstering security and monitoring operations along its border with Mexico.

What drugs do the cartels traffic?

Drug Policy
Border and Port Security
Transnational Crime

Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs)—sometimes referred to as transnational criminal organizations—dominate the import and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine in the United States. Mexican suppliers are responsible for most heroin and methamphetamine production, while cocaine is largely produced in Colombia and then transported to the United States by Mexican criminal organizations. Mexico, along with China, is also a leading source of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to fifty times more potent than heroin. The amount of fentanyl seized by Mexican authorities nearly quintupled between 2019 and 2020.

The amount of fentanyl seized by Mexican authorities nearly quintupled between 2019 and 2020.

At the same time, the cartels smuggle vast quantities of marijuana into the United States, even though some U.S. jurisdictions have legalized it. Conversely, California’s booming cannabis industry has prompted traffickers to smuggle U.S.-grown marijuana across the border to Mexico, where lawmakers have yet to fully legalize the drug.

Which are the largest cartels?

Mexico’s drug cartels are in a constant state of flux. Over the decades, they have grown, splintered, forged new alliances, and battled one another for territory. The cartels that pose the most significant drug trafficking threats [PDF] to the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are:

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Sinaloa Cartel. Formerly led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Sinaloa is one of Mexico’s oldest and most influential drug trafficking groups. With strongholds in nearly half of Mexico’s states—particularly those along the Pacific coast in the northwest and near the country’s southern and northern borders—and operations in as many as fifty countries, it has a larger international footprint than any of its Mexican rivals. In 2017, Mexican authorities extradited Guzmán to the United States, where he is serving a life sentence for multiple drug-related charges. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on eight members of the group, which is now led by Ismael Zambada García and El Chapo’s sons, known as “Los Chapitos.”

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) . Jalisco splintered from Sinaloa in 2010 and is among Mexico’s fastest-growing cartels, with operations in more than two-thirds of the country. According to the DEA, the “rapid expansion of its drug trafficking activities is characterized by the group’s willingness to engage in violent confrontations” with authorities and rival cartels. U.S. officials estimate that CJNG supplies more than one-third of the U.S. drug market.

Beltrán-Leyva Organization (BLO) . The group formed when the Beltrán-Leyva brothers split from Sinaloa in 2008. Since then, all four brothers have been arrested or killed, but their loyalists continue to operate throughout Mexico. The organization’s splinter groups have become more autonomous and powerful, maintaining ties to Jalisco, Juárez, and Los Zetas.

Los Zetas. Originally a paramilitary enforcement arm for the Gulf Cartel, Los Zetas was singled out by the DEA in 2007 as the country’s most “ technologically advanced, sophisticated, and violent ” group of its kind. It splintered from the Gulf Cartel in 2010 and held sway over swaths of eastern, central, and southern Mexico. However, it has lost power in recent years and fractured into rival wings, the most prominent being the Northeast Cartel.

Guerreros Unidos (GU). Based in southwestern Mexico, Guerreros Unidos (United Warriors) broke away from the BLO in 2009 and became involved in the heroin trade. The group is known to have a partnership with the CJNG, using the same transportation networks to move drug shipments to and from the United States.

Gulf Cartel. Its base of power is in northeast Mexico, especially the states of Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, and it is thought to be working with CJNG members in those areas. In the past decade, the group has splintered into various factions, diluting its strength as it battles for territory with Los Zetas. In 2021, three warring Gulf factions announced they had reached a truce , insisting that they wanted to maintain peace in Tamaulipas.

Juárez Cartel. A long-standing rival of Sinaloa, Juárez has its stronghold in the north-central state of Chihuahua, across the border from New Mexico and Texas. In recent years, the group has splintered into several factions, including La Línea, which controls street-level enforcement.

La Familia Michoacána (LFM). Formed in the 1980s, LFM has its base in western Mexico’s Michoacán State. In 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama designated the group’s members as “ significant foreign narcotics traffickers ” and imposed financial sanctions on it under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. While still active, LFM has weakened and fragmented in recent years.

Los Rojos . Another splinter group of the BLO, Los Rojos operates in central and southwestern Mexico and relies largely on kidnapping and extortion. Although several of its leaders were arrested between 2019 and 2020, the group remains active, and along with Guerreros Unidos, has been linked to the 2014 disappearance and murder of forty-three students from a university in Guerrero State.

What led to the cartels’ growth?

Experts point to both domestic and international forces. In Mexico, the cartels use a portion of their vast profits to pay off judges, officers, and politicians. They also coerce officials into cooperating; assassinations of journalists and public servants by the cartels are relatively common. Dozens of politicians were killed ahead of the country’s midterm elections in 2021, with many of the deaths attributed to the cartels.

The cartels flourished during the seven decades that Mexico was ruled by a single party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Within this centralized political structure, drug trafficking groups cultivated a wide network of corrupt officials through which they were able to gain distribution rights, market access, and protection.

The PRI’s unbroken reign finally ended in 2000 with the election of President Vicente Fox of the conservative National Action Party (PAN). With new politicians in power, cartels ramped up violence against the government in an effort to reestablish their hold [PDF] on the state.

Cartels use a portion of their vast profits to pay off judges, officers, and politicians.

At the international level, Mexican cartels began to take on a much larger role in the late 1980s, after U.S. government agencies broke up Caribbean networks used by Colombian cartels to smuggle cocaine. Mexican gangs eventually shifted from being couriers for Colombian criminal organizations, including the infamous Cali and Medellín cartels, to being wholesalers. By 2007, Mexican cartels controlled an estimated 90 percent [PDF] of the cocaine entering the United States.

The U.S. government, despite waging a “war on drugs” and conducting other counternarcotics efforts abroad, has made little progress in reducing demand. In 2017, Americans spent $153 billion [PDF] on illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. The growing use of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, has contributed to a public health crisis .

How are drugs smuggled into the United States?

Most of the illicit drugs entering the United States that are seized by authorities are discovered at official ports of entry, of which there are more than three hundred.

Traffickers employ various tactics to evade detection by U.S. authorities at the border. These include hiding or disguising drugs in vehicles or maritime vessels, smuggling them into the United States through underground tunnels, and flying them over border barriers using drones or other aircraft. After Mexican traffickers smuggle wholesale shipments of drugs into the United States, local groups and street gangs manage retail-level distribution in cities throughout the country.

What measures has Mexico taken to stem the drug trade?

Recent Mexican administrations have responded to cartels primarily by deploying security forces, often spurring more violence:

Felipe Calderón (2006–2012). President Calderón declared war on the cartels shortly after taking office. Over the course of his six-year term, he deployed tens of thousands of military personnel to supplement and, in many cases, replace local police forces he viewed as corrupt. With U.S. assistance, the Mexican military captured or killed twenty-five of the top thirty-seven drug kingpins in Mexico. The militarized crackdown was a centerpiece of Calderón’s tenure.

However, some critics say Calderón’s decapitation strategy created dozens of smaller, more violent drug gangs . Many also argue that Mexico’s military is ill-prepared to perform police functions. The government registered more than 120,000 homicides [PDF] over the course of Calderón’s term, nearly twice as many as during his predecessor’s time in office. ( Experts estimate that between one-third and one-half of the homicides in Mexico are linked to cartels.)

Enrique Peña Nieto (2012–2018). Calderón’s successor said he would focus more on reducing violence against civilians and businesses than on removing the leaders of cartels. Still, President Peña Nieto relied heavily [PDF] on the military, in combination with the federal police, to battle the cartels. He also created a new national police force, or gendarmerie, of several thousand officers.

Homicides declined in the first years of Peña Nieto’s presidency. But 2015 saw an uptick, and by the end of his term, the number of homicides had risen to the highest level in modern Mexican history. Experts attribute this to the continued fallout from the kingpin strategy, territorial feuds, and cartel fragmentation.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–present). Shortly after taking office, President López Obrador, also known as AMLO, announced that his government would move away from militarized attempts to apprehend cartel leaders and instead focus on improving regional security cooperation and reducing homicide rates. His “ hugs not bullets ” approach seeks to address the socioeconomic drivers of organized crime by creating job opportunities. Since 2018, his administration has launched an anticorruption drive and disrupted cartel finances; it has also proposed decriminalizing all illegal drugs and offering amnesty to low-level cartel members.

Though AMLO has framed his strategy as a novel approach, some experts say his actions—including deploying a new military-led national guard to boost security—echo his predecessors’ tactics and are unsuccessful . Meanwhile, the homicide rate continues to hover around record levels.

What has been the toll on human rights?

Civil liberties groups, journalists, and foreign officials have criticized the Mexican government’s war with the cartels for years, accusing the military, police, and cartels of widespread human rights violations, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances. More than seventy-nine thousand people have disappeared since 2006, primarily at the hands of criminal organizations such as the cartels, though government forces also play a role. Local search efforts to find the missing and prosecute those responsible have often been stymied by cartel-related violence, government incompetence and corruption, and other factors.

One of the most chilling examples of these abuses occurred in the southern state of Guerrero in 2014, when forty-three student protesters were abducted and presumably killed, though remains of only three students have been definitively identified. The incident prompted mass demonstrations , with protesters demanding answers about the abductions and expressing their exhaustion with Mexico’s endemic corruption, violence, and other crime. Investigations into the students’ disappearances have purportedly found evidence that authorities, including the police and military, conspired with cartel members in the crimes; the government launched a new inquiry after the students’ families, human rights groups, and independent experts questioned the handling of the previous investigation. In August 2022, a judge ordered the former attorney general who oversaw the original investigation to stand trial on charges of forced disappearance, failure to report torture, and misconduct.

In recent years, vigilante groups known as autodefensas have sought to fill in where security forces have failed to protect communities from criminal groups. They have become a formidable force against the cartels in states including Guerrero and Michoacán. However, some vigilantes have committed rights abuses, including the recruitment of child fighters; allegedly maintained ties to cartels in exchange for weapons and protection; and even turned to organized crime themselves.

What assistance has the U.S. government provided?

The United States has cooperated with Mexico on security and counternarcotics to varying degrees over the past several decades. Recent efforts have centered on the Mérida Initiative; since Presidents George W. Bush and Calderón launched the partnership [PDF] in 2007, the United States has appropriated more than $3 billion for it. This assistance has gone toward purchases of military aircraft, surveillance software, and other equipment.

The initiative has evolved to reflect the priorities of national leaders. The Bush administration focused heavily on providing Mexico with security-related assistance, including counternarcotics and counterterrorism support. President Obama widened the scope of aid to target fundamental reforms to Mexico’s justice system and to develop crime-prevention programs at the community level, among other efforts, in what became known as “Mérida 2.0” [PDF].

U.S.-Mexico Relations

1810 - 2023.

President Donald Trump shifted U.S. priorities for Mérida to issues including border security and combating drug production and money laundering. In a highly controversial move in February 2019, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and ordered the deployment of thousands of active-duty military troops there, citing an influx of illicit drugs, criminals, and undocumented immigrants. Mexico later deployed twenty-five thousand National Guard members to secure its borders, which some experts say increased violence and diminished the country’s cartel-fighting capacity.

A map of the U.S.-Mexico border, including barriers and ports of entry, showing that barriers have been constructed along most of the western part of the border.

The U.S.-Mexico relationship took a major hit in October 2020, when U.S. authorities arrested General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, a former Mexican defense minister, in Los Angeles for drug trafficking and money laundering. Though the United States later dropped the charges and allowed Cienfuegos to return to Mexico, the Mexican government responded by restricting U.S. law enforcement agents’ power to operate in the country.

President Biden inherited a tense security relationship with Mexico, with bilateral cooperation focused mostly on migration, COVID-19, and trade. In October 2021, Presidents Biden and López Obrador announced the creation of a bilateral framework to replace the Mérida Initiative that will seek to address both insecurity in Mexico and the opioid crisis in the United States. But just six months later, the AMLO administration drew outcry from U.S. officials by disbanding a DEA-trained anti-narcotics force that had worked closely with U.S. law enforcement for decades.

Recommended Resources

CFR’s Global Conflict Tracker looks at criminal violence in Mexico .

A Congressional Research Service report details the scope and activities [PDF] of Mexico’s drug trafficking groups.

In an interview with Insight Crime’s Katie Jones, University of Warwick Professor Benjamin T. Smith explains how his book The Dope unpacks misperceptions about Mexico’s drug trade .

A 2021 report from the University of San Diego’s Justice in Mexico initiative details organized crime and violence in Mexico and offers policy recommendations [PDF].

The New Yorker joins Mexican mothers as they search for the bodies of their children, who have disappeared amid Mexico’s war on drugs.

The International Crisis Group’s Falko Ernst visualizes Mexico’s war against the cartels .

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Drug trafficking essay

Drug trafficking is one of the most serious problems for most countries all over the world. Unfortunately, this type of business is rather profitable, if not to consider that it is constantly related to murders, kidnapping, prostitution and other crimes. Certainly drug trafficking contributes to better distribution of drugs, thus involving more and more people, making them addicted. Taking into consideration all the possible dangers, drugs are able to bring to any society, most countries are working constantly in order to prevent use and distribution of drugs which are not legal. The rage of responsibility varies in different countries, from fines and several years in prison to death punishment in China for example. Generally, “drug trafficking” means production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs. (Syal, 2009, p. 2). In this paper we are going to stop at some historical information, related to drugs and drug trafficking, the effects drug trafficking has upon people and societies, we will use some concrete examples of illegal drugs and finally discuss possible ways of limiting distribution of drugs or banning it on the basis of the Obama’s National Drug Control Strategy.

Historically, it is possible to talk about appearance of illegal drug trade around the beginning of the 19 th century. “China retaliated by enforcing the ban on imports of opium that led to the First Opium War (1839–1842) between Great Britain and Qing dynasty China” (Berridge, 1981, p. 5). The highest authorities in China struggled against free sales of opium, whereas United Kingdom pushed China to let the merchants from China bring opium without any bans. However the volumes of opium trade continued to grow, because smoking opium turned into a habit among usual people. No wonder that the number of opium addicts grew immensely in the 19 th century. The Second Opium War took place in 1856, the result of the two wars was that “the British Crown, via the treaties of Nanking and Tianjin , took large sums of money from the Chinese government through this illegal trade, which were referred to as “reparations” (Berridge, 1981, p. 10).

In the year 1868, the government of the UK took the decision to restrict sale of opium in the Pharmacy Act. In 1914 Harrison Act followed in the United States. Thus, it is clear, that even taking into consideration the fact, that opium sale brought good profits, sooner or later, governments had to restrict and take under control illegal drugs, in order not to worsen the situation with addicted people.

Further, it is necessary to study the effects of the illegal drug trade upon usual people, as well as societies in generally, in detail. This is evident, that those countries, where drugs transit and distribution was widely developed, had to face the problems with drug addicted individuals.

Most researches confirm the fact that illegal drug trade is closely related to crimes’ rate, namely such violent crimes, as murders. In this case we are unfortunately talking not only about developing, but about developed countries as well. For example, “In the late 1990s in the United States the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that 5% of murders were drug-related” (Berridge, 1981, p 3).

The UK government’s surveys also underlined, that because of high cost of the illegal drugs and strong addiction, people are likely to commit serious crimes, including robberies, burglaries, murders and so on. “The cost of crime committed to support illegal cocaine and heroin habits amounts to £16 billion a year in the UK” (Epstein, 1989, p. 13). The fact, that drugs were illegal, unfortunately could not restrict the actual sale and distribution, on the contrary this field of criminal activity was able to bring such high profits and the system was so well-built, that drugs became integrated into the American culture. “This high price is caused by a combination of factors that include the potential legal ramifications that exist for suppliers of illicit drugs and their high demand. (Limited supply can be caused by a range of factors) (Epstein, 1989, p.14).There appeared certain layers of society, where the high cost could not be an obstacle and drugs were used as a type of recreational activity. Irrespective of constant attempts to seize control over this problem by the authorities, it is still remaining actual for the USA as well as other countries all over the world. The 1940s brought prohibition of opiates, the 1960s – of marijuana and the 1970s – of heroin, however cocaine and other drugs continued to arrive to the U.S. through the Mexican border. “An estimated $10 billion of the Mexican drug cartel’s profits come from the United States, not only supplying the Mexican drug cartels with the profit necessary for survival, but also furthering Americans’ economic dependence on drugs.” (Epstein, 1989, p 16). The results were that first of all the number of drug-addicted people constantly grew and secondly, illegal drugs’ trade proved to be a business of very high profits and in fact a lot of businessmen invested exactly into this industry.

Demographic was also in a way under influence of illegal drugs. Starting from the 1960s a lot of immigrants arrived to America and the diversity of public was evident. As several decades pasted, more and more criminal records, related to murders and other criminal acts on the basis of drug addiction, were created. Certainly the situation was different in different cities, however generally it really caused a great concern. “An example of this could be seen in Miami, a city with a host of ethnic enclaves. [44] Between 1985 and 1995, the homicide rate in Miami was one of the highest in the nation and rated four times the national homicide average” (Epstein, 1989, p. 22). The decades between 1960s and 1980s also revealed the effects of drug trade upon the baby boomer generation. The demand for marijuana and other drugs was getting higher and higher during this period, resulting in its turn in increase of criminal cases, including suicide, murders, substance abuse. Thus, the insufficient control and restriction of illegal drugs had really serious impact upon individuals as well as societies in general.

Political impact, which illegal drug trade had, could not be underestimated as well. The above-mentioned generation of the baby boomers was used to confront laws on various issues, including illegal drugs. The government was taking specific steps in order to restrict drug trafficking and trade, but with poor results. Marijuana was imported from the Latin America, whereas cocaine was received from Mexico and Colombia. “Due to the influence of this development on the U.S. economy, the Reagan Administration began “certifying” countries for their attempts at controlling drug trafficking” (Syal, 2009, p. 10). During the 1980s America pushed more for restriction of drug transit. The result was that more drugs arrived from Mexico: in the beginning of the 1990s – these were around 50 % of cocaine and by the middle of the 1990s – the percentage increased up to 90 %. Some researches state that between the years 1996 and 2000 the total consumption of cocaine on the territory of the U.S. decreased by 11 %.

The Merida Initiative was a state program, which was initiated in 2008, with the major aim to stop drug trafficking from Mexico. The financial assistance from America, along with possibility to buy the necessary equipment was supposed to produce their positive effect. Unfortunately, the drug trade continued. Thus it is evident, that illegal drug trade has its impact upon internal political situation in any country as well as upon international relations in general.

Cannabis is one of the most popular drugs, the legalization of which till the moment remains a rather controversial issue. Most countries all over the world defined this drug as an illegal one. There are countries, as Canada for example, which made cannabis legal for recreational use, with restriction of its import and distribution. In the year 2014 Uruguay considered legalization of cultivation and sale of cannabis for adult individuals with recreational purposes. In the Netherlands possession and licensed sale of cannabis are not prohibited, however cultivation of the drug is against the law.

Heroin is another wide-spread illegal drug, initially cultivated in the Golden Triangle – Southeast Asia. In addition, opiate was transported from Afghanistan and Mexico. “According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration , the price of heroin is typically valued 8 to 10 times that of cocaine on American streets, making it a high-profit substance for smugglers and dealers” (Syal, 2009, p. 10). The price of heroin, which is up to 10 times higher than that of cocaine, guarantees dealers and distributors good profits. High costs also contribute to easier transportation, as small doses are easier to hide. One the other hand, penalties for smuggling and heroin sale are rather serious in most countries, including life sentence or even death sentences.

Methamphetamine is also rather popular under such names as “ice”, “meth”. It is often produced at some rolling meth labs, which makes it rather difficult to detect. This drug is very dangerous due to its injectable form, which might be the source of such infections as HIV or hepatitis C. Usually it is inhaled through some kind of tube.

Temazepam, another example of wide-spread illegal drugs, is “a strong hypnotic benzodiazepine , is illicitly manufactured in clandestine laboratories to supply the increasingly high demand for the hypnotic drug internationally (Syal, 2009, p. 8). Eastern Europe is the place of concentration of such labs. In the United Kingdom temazepam belongs to legal drugs and is very often abused. In Sweden it was banned after numerous deaths caused by the drug.

Thus in this section we have briefly studied some examples of the widely –spread illegal drugs, countries of their origin and application, possible negative effects and risks of the most famous illegal drugs.

It is evident, that the problems of drug abuse, drug distribution and drug trafficking need complex solutions from the authorities. A lot of politic leaders and government representatives contributed their efforts into solving of the illegal drugs problems. President Obama is not an exception, in May 2010 he released the National Drug Control Strategy. “ The press release states that the report “establishes five-year goals for reducing drug use and its consequences through a balanced policy of prevention, treatment, enforcement, and international cooperation ( Syal, 2009, p. 13 ). This Strategy suggests five-year goals aiming at reduction of drug abuse, namely:

“ • Reduce the rate of youth drug use by 15 percent; • Decrease drug use among young adults by 10 percent; • Reduce the number of chronic drug users by 15 percent; • Reduce the incidence of drug-induced deaths by 15 percent; and • Reduce the prevalence of drugged driving by 10 percent” (Syal, 2009, p. 13).

The three main challenges, described in this strategy include prevention of drug use, of driving under drug impact and prescription drug abuse. A separate place in the strategy is devoted to the problem of recovery of the people, who already became addicted and need urgent and concrete help. Addiction is not the final sentence, there are many case, where the situation might be returned under control with the help of special community addiction centers, development of new medications and so on.

Overall, in this paper we have studied the notion of drug trafficking, its historical development and various approaches, applied in different countries towards this problem; we have pointed out some concrete spheres of illegal drug abuse influences, including political, social spheres; we have listed the most popular and wide-spread drugs, their major qualities, places of cultivation and ways of transportation and distribution. All this information is vitally important for understanding the necessity of better international along with internal control of illegal drugs and their trafficking, as well as possible means and strategies, which would positively contribute to restriction and control of drug trafficking for the sake of future healthy generations.

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Essay on Drug Addiction | Drug Addiction Essay for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Veerendra

Essay on Drug Addiction: Addiction refers to the harmful need to consume substances that have damaging consequences on the user. Addiction affects not just the body but also on the person’s mental health and soundness of mind. Addiction is one of the most severe health problems faced around the world and is termed as a chronic disease. A widespread disorder ranges from drugs, alcohol addiction to gambling, and even phone addiction.

You can read more Essay Writing about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

One of the most unfortunate yet common addictions that affect millions today is drug addiction. Also referred to as substance – use disorder, it is the addiction to substances that harm neurological functioning and a person’s behavior. The essay provides relevant information on this topic.

Long and Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English for Students and Kids

There are two essays listed below. The long essay consists of 500 words and a short essay of 200 words.

Long Essay on Drug Addiction in English 500 words

Drug addiction, also known as substance–use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions. Drug addiction includes abusing alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioid, painkillers, and nicotine, among others. Drugs like these help the person feel good about themselves and induce ‘dopamine’ or the happiness hormone. As they continue to use the drug, the brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and the person demands more.

Drug addiction has severe consequences. Some of the signs include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, and red eyes. They are intoxicated and unable to display proper coordination and have difficulty in remembering things. A person who is addicted cannot resist using them and unable to function correctly without ingesting them. It causes damage to the brain, their personal and professional relationships. It affects mental cognition; they are unable to make proper decisions, cannot retain information, and make poor judgments. They tend to engage in reckless activities such as stealing or driving under the influence. They also make sure that there is a constant supply and are willing to pay a lot of money even if they are unable to afford it and tend to have erratic sleep patterns.

Drug addiction also causes a person to isolate themselves and have either intense or no food cravings. They stop taking care of their hygiene. Drug addiction affects a person’s speech and experience hallucinations. They are unable to converse and communicate properly; they speak fast and are hyperactive. Those addicted have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy to feeling sad quickly and are incredibly secretive. They begin to lose interest in activities they once loved. Substance abusers also undergo withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms refer to the symptoms that occur when they stop taking the drug. Some withdrawal symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and tremors. They stop and starting using again, an endless cycle that could be life-threatening. Drug addiction can be fatal if not treated timely. It can cause brain damage and seizures as well as overdose, heart diseases, respiratory problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, vomiting, lung diseases, and much more.

Though chronic, treatment is available for drug addiction. Many techniques are used, such as behavioral counseling, medication to treat the addiction, and providing treatment not just for substance abuse but also for many factors that accompany addiction such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Many devices have developed to overcome addiction. There are rehabilitation centers to help people. After treatment, there are numerous follow-ups to ensure that the cycle does not come back. The most important is having family and friends to support the effect. It will help them build confidence and come over their addiction.

The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June. Drug addiction impacts millions and needs to be treated carefully to prevent further harm to the individual and letting them live a better life.

Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English 250 words

Drug addiction refers to taking substances that are harmful to our bodies. They cause changes to a person’s behavior as well. Many people take these drugs to feel happier and better about themselves. These dangerous substances make the brain produce a chemical that makes us happy, called dopamine. Producing large amounts of these causes the person to take the drug consistently.

Some of the drugs include alcohol, nicotine, and other unhealthy substances. Taking these substances can lead to many symptoms. These include unable to think correctly, cannot remember things, and unable to speak clearly. They steal and keep secrets from their close ones. Those addicted cannot sleep; they become happy and sad quickly. They stop doing the activities that they liked doing. They are not aware of their surroundings. Taking these dangerous substances can cause many health problems such as vomiting, unable to breathe, brain, and lung damage. It also affects their family, friends, and work.

Drug addiction is life-threatening. However, people with this addiction can be treated and helped with therapy, counseling, and taking medicines along with rehab centers. They do follow-ups to ensure that they never retake these drugs. They must have their family and friends to support them as they recover.

10 lines About Drug Addiction Essay in English

Drug addiction refers to taking harmful substances that affect a person’s brain functions and behavior. It involves taking legal and illegal drugs, and the person is unable to stop using them. It is also referred to as substance- use disorders
Harmful drugs include alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, painkillers, nicotine, etc.
The harmful drugs cause an excessive release of dopamine or the happy hormone, which causes the person to take more.
Drug addiction can affect mental cognition, including decision making, judgments, and memory. It also causes speech problems.
It can cause anxiety paranoia and increased blood pressure. They have erratic sleep patterns and isolate themselves. It causes problems in their personal and professional relationships.
Those addicted become moody, hyperactive, and hallucinate. They also engage in reckless activities.
They experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using substances. These include nausea, fatigue, and tremors.
It can have many effects on the body, such as brain damage, seizures, liver and kidney damage, respiratory and lung issues.
Treatment is available. It includes behavioral therapy, medication, rehabilitation, as well as a follow-up to prevent relapse.
The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June.

Frequently Asked Questions on Drug Addiction Essay

Question 1. What is drug addiction?

Answer: Drug addiction, also known as substance – use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions.

Question 2. Why does drug addiction occur?

Answer: People become addicted to these drugs because they want to feel happier. The drugs cause a chemical called dopamine, which induces happiness to be released. The brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and thus the person becomes addicted to the drug to match the increasing levels.

Question 3. What is the difference between dependence and addiction?

Answer: Dependence and addiction vary. While dependence is an intense craving for the drug by the body, addiction also refers to the changes in behavior and bodily functions due to repeated use of the drug, which has severe consequences.

Question 4. Can we treat drug addiction?

Answer: Yes, drug addiction can be treated. The various treatment methods are behavioral counseling, medication, and treatment of anxiety and depression. There are rehabilitation centers available. This is followed by a check-up to prevent relapse.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Criminology — Drug Courier Profile Paper

Drug Courier Profile Paper

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Published: Jun 6, 2024

Words: 851 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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Gangs mix another potent sedative into U.S. street drugs causing 'mass overdoses'

A new wave of overdoses is triggered by a tranquilizer used on animals

People gather outside the Savage Sisters' community outreach storefront in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The area is being hit hard by Medetomidine and Xylazine, powerful sedatives most often used by veterinarians that are moving through the illicit drug supply triggering "mass overdose" events and causing gruesome skin wounds. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

Public health officials say Mexican cartels and drug gangs inside the U.S. are mixing a dangerous chemical sedative called medetomidine into fentanyl and other drugs sold on the street. The combination triggered a new wave of overdoses that began in late April and have accelerated in May.

"The numbers reported out of Philadelphia were 160 hospitalizations over a 3 or 4-day period," said Alex Krotulski who heads an organization called NPS Discovery that studies illicit drugs sold in the U.S.

Medetomidine, most often used by veterinarians as an animal tranquilizer, but also formulated for use in human patients, has also been linked to a recent “mass overdose outbreaks in Chicago.

Preliminary data also suggested another mass overdose event linked to medetomidine in Pittsburgh, but those initial findings proved false, according to Krotulski.

Xylazine, a deadly new street drug, caught the U.S. off guard. Experts say it'll happen again

Experts say the chemical, mixed into counterfeit pills and powders sold on the street, slows the human heart rate to dangerous levels. It's impossible for drug users to detect.

Public health advisories have been issued in Illinois and Pennsylvania .

Dr. Brendan Hart at Temple University in Philadelphia says they first began hearing reports of street drug users exposed to the fentanyl-medetomidine mix in April.

"Some of our emergency medicine doctors started stopping me in the hallway," Hart told NPR.

"They said 'Something funny is going on with the overdoses.' Patients were coming in with very low heart rates. As low as in the 20s. A normal heart-rate is sixty to a hundred [beats per minute] so 20s is extremely low."

Laboratory tests of street drug samples came back positive for the powerful sedative, which is used in some formulations by doctors with human patients, but only in carefully controlled medical settings.

Medetomidine was previously detected in the illicit drug supply as early as 2022 but only rarely and in small amounts. This time experts say it appears to be spreading rapidly , with large-scale overdose events also reported earlier this year in Toronto , Canada.

U.S. drug supply grows more toxic

Last year the Biden administration issued a warning that street fentanyl was being mixed with another tranquilizer used by veterinarians called xylazine. That mix of drugs led to more overdoses and many users also experience terrible flesh wounds that can linger for months or years.

Medetomidine is even more powerful than xylazine, experts told NPR. As it spreads, Krotulski said no one knows what long-term health effects this new cocktail of chemicals will cause in the human body.

"Patients are being cared for as we speak in emergency rooms," he said. "These are very complex drug products. You’ve got fentanyl adulterated with xylazine that now also contains medetomidine."

Registered nurse Kathy Lalli treats Ellwood Warren's injuries at the Kensington Hospital wound care outreach van, parked in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, on May 23, 2023. In humans, xylazine can cause breathing and heart rates to drop. It’s also linked to severe skin ulcers and abscesses, which can lead to infections, rotting tissue and amputations. Experts disagree on the exact cause of the wounds, which are much deeper than those seen with other injectable drugs. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

The presence of these chemical additives severely complicates the medical response to high-risk overdoses.

Xylazine and medetomidine don't respond to naloxone, the medication used to reverse most fentanyl overdoses. There’s currently no way for street users to know when their drugs are laced with this chemical.

Dr. Bertha Madras, a drug researcher at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, said it’s not clear why drug gangs are mixing these new chemicals with fentanyl. Some experts believe sedatives may prolong the opioid high, making the drugs more desirable on the street.

According to Madras, it's urgent that first responders and emergency rooms be prepared to treat overdoses complicated by heart conditions triggered by medetomidine.

Shots - Health News

U.s. drug deaths declined slightly in 2023 but remained at crisis levels.

She also thinks people using drugs need to be warned that illicit pills and powders are more perilous than ever.

"It’s critical to alert street users," Madras said. "They’re playing Russian roulette now with the drug supply."

Madras said experts are also working to understand where the medetomidine appearing on U.S. streets is coming from.

It's not yet clear whether the sedative is being illegally diverted from veterinarian supplies or from medications intended for use in hospitals and clinics.

It's also possible drug gangs are formulating their own medetomidine compounds from precursor chemicals acquired illegally.

Evolving street drug supply outpaces public health, law enforcement

Madras said Mexican cartels and U.S. drug gangs are moving fast to create new combinations of powerful synthetic drugs, often using chemicals like medetomidine which aren't yet regulated or tightly controlled under U.S. law.

She said it's nearly impossible for U.S. law enforcement and public health to keep up.

"There is an almost endless supply of new psychoactive substances and there are literally thousands and thousands of drugs that can be made," she said.

Counterfeit fentanyl pills are becoming a lot more common in law enforcement seizures

Experts say the decision to experiment with xylazine, medetomidine or other chemicals in illicit street drug combinations likely reflect which substances are cheap, poorly regulated and readily available.

Some critics, including Dr. Jeffrey Singer, a drug policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute, believe law enforcement efforts aimed at regulating chemicals used in street drugs are actually encouraging the cartels to experiment with more readily available substances that may be more harmful, including medetomidine.

"Law enforcement is trying harder and harder to crack down on xylazine," Singer said. "If the drug trafficking organizations are interested in adding a sedative [to their street drug mixes] they can always add medetomidine."

Singer believes interdiction of synthetic drugs is so difficult that U.S. policy-makers should focus resources on helping drug users find medical treatment instead of funding more law enforcement efforts.

Efforts to tightly regulate medetomidine could be complicated by the fact that a version of the sedative called dexmedetomidine is widely used by physicians as well as veterinarians.

"That medicine is used everywhere along the lifespan, from [neonatal intensive care units] to sedate babies that need to be on respirators, to elderly patients who can’t breathe on their own," said Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, a street drug expert at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"[Restricting access to] medetomidine like xylazine or even fentanyl will have major impact on every hospital in the country," he said.

Fatal overdoses in the U.S. dropped 3 percent last year , but roughly 107,000 people in the U.S. still died after using street drugs.

Addiction experts worry modest gains in saving lives of drug users could be reversed as more toxic chemicals like medetomidine and xylazine hit the streets.

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Chronotherapy: Why Timing Drugs to Our Body Clocks May Work

Sari Harrar

June 10, 2024

Do drugs work better if taken by the clock?

A new analysis published in this month's issue of The Lancet journal's eClinicalMedicine suggests: Yes, they do — if you consider the patient's individual body clock. The study is the first to find that timing blood pressure drugs to a person's personal "chronotype" — that is, whether they are a night owl or an early bird — may reduce the risk for a heart attack.

The findings represent a significant advance in the field of circadian medicine or "chronotherapy" — timing drug administration to circadian rhythms. A growing stack of research suggests this approach could reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of a wide range of therapies, including vaccines, cancer treatments, and drugs for depression, glaucoma, pain, seizures, and other conditions. Still, despite decades of research, time of day is rarely considered in writing prescriptions.

"We are really just at the beginning of an exciting new way of looking at patient care," said Kenneth A. Dyar , PhD, whose lab at Helmholtz Zentrum München's Institute for Diabetes and Cancer focuses on metabolic physiology. Dyar is co-lead author of the new blood pressure analysis.

"Chronotherapy is a rapidly growing field," he said, "and I suspect we are soon going to see more and more studies focused on 'personalized chronotherapy,' not only in hypertension but also potentially in other clinical areas."

The 'Missing Piece' in Chronotherapy Research

Blood pressure drugs have long been chronotherapy's battleground. After all, blood pressure follows a circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning and dropping at night.

That healthy overnight dip can disappear in people with diabetes , kidney disease , and obstructive sleep apnea . Some physicians have suggested a bed-time dose to restore that dip. But studies have had mixed results , so "take at bedtime" has become a less common recommendation in recent years.

But the debate continued. After a large 2019 Spanish study found that bedtime doses had benefits so big that the results drew questions , an even larger, 2022 randomized, controlled trial from the University of Dundee in Dundee, Scotland — called the TIME study — aimed to settle the question.

Researchers assigned over 21,000 people to take morning or night hypertension drugs for several years and found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes.

"We did this study thinking nocturnal blood pressure tablets might be better," said Thomas MacDonald , MD, professor emeritus of clinical pharmacology and pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Dundee and principal investigator for the TIME study and the recent chronotype analysis. "But there was no difference for heart attacks, strokes, or vascular death."

So, the researchers then looked at participants' chronotypes, sorting outcomes based on whether the participants were late-to-bed, late-to-rise "night owls" or early-to-bed, early-to-rise "morning larks."

Their analysis of these 5358 TIME participants found the following results: Risk for hospitalization for a heart attack was at least 34% lower for "owls" who took their drugs at bedtime. By contrast, owls' heart attack risk was at least 62% higher with morning doses. For "larks," the opposite was true. Morning doses were associated with an 11% lower heart attack risk and night doses with an 11% higher risk, according to supplemental data.

The personalized approach could explain why some previous chronotherapy studies have failed to show a benefit. Those studies did not individualize drug timing as this one did. But personalization could be key to circadian medicine's success.

"Our 'internal personal time' appears to be an important variable to consider when dosing antihypertensives," said co-lead author Filippo Pigazzani , MD, PhD, clinical senior lecturer and honorary consultant cardiologist at the University of Dundee School of Medicine. "Chronotherapy research has been going on for decades. We knew there was something important with time of day. But researchers haven't considered the internal time of individual people. I think that is the missing piece."

The analysis has several important limitations, the researchers said. A total of 95% of participants were White. And it was an observational study, not a true randomized comparison. "We started it late in the original TIME study," MacDonald said. "You could argue we were reporting on those who survived long enough to get into the analysis." More research is needed, they concluded.

Looking Beyond Blood Pressure

What about the rest of the body? "Almost all the cells of our body contain 'circadian clocks' that are synchronized by daily environmental cues, including light-dark, activity-rest, and feeding-fasting cycles," said Dyar.

An estimated 50 % of prescription drugs hit targets in the body that have circadian patterns. So, experts suspect that synching a drug with a person's body clock might increase effectiveness of many drugs.

A handful of US Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs already have time-of-day recommendations on the label for effectiveness or to limit side effects, including bedtime or evening for the insomnia drug Ambien, the HIV antiviral Atripla, and cholesterol-lowering Zocor. Others are intended to be taken with or after your last meal of the day, such as the long-acting insulin Levemir and the cardiovascular drug Xarelto. A morning recommendation comes with the proton pump inhibitor Nexium and the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug Ritalin.

Interest is expanding. About one third of the papers published about chronotherapy in the past 25 years have come out in the past 5 years. The May 2024 meeting of the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms featured a day-long session aimed at bringing clinicians up to speed. An organization called the International Association of Circadian Health Clinics is trying to bring circadian medicine findings to clinicians and their patients and to support research.

Moreover, while recent research suggests minding the clock could have benefits for a wide range of treatments, ignoring it could cause problems.

In a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study published in April in Science Advances , researchers looked at engineered livers made from human donor cells and found more than 300 genes that operate on a circadian schedule, many with roles in drug metabolism. They also found that circadian patterns affected the toxicity of acetaminophen and atorvastatin. Identifying the time of day to take these drugs could maximize effectiveness and minimize adverse effects, the researchers said .

Timing and the Immune System

Circadian rhythms are also seen in immune processes. In a 2023 study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation of vaccine data from 1.5 million people in Israel, researchers found that children and older adults who got their second dose of the Pfizer mRNA COVID vaccine earlier in the day were about 36% less likely to be hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection than those who got an evening shot.

"The sweet spot in our data was somewhere around late morning to late afternoon," said lead researcher Jeffrey Haspel , MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

In a multicenter, 2024 analysis of 13 studies of immunotherapy for advanced cancers in 1663 people, researchers found treatment earlier in the day was associated with longer survival time and longer survival without cancer progression.

"Patients with selected metastatic cancers seemed to largely benefit from early [time of day] infusions, which is consistent with circadian mechanisms in immune-cell functions and trafficking," the researchers noted. But "retrospective randomized trials are needed to establish recommendations for optimal circadian timing."

Other research suggests or is investigating possible chronotherapy benefits for depression , glaucoma , respiratory diseases , stroke treatment , epilepsy , and sedatives used in surgery . So why aren't healthcare providers adding time of day to more prescriptions? "What's missing is more reliable data," Dyar said.

Should You Use Chronotherapy Now?

Experts emphasize that more research is needed before doctors use chronotherapy and before medical organizations include it in treatment recommendations. But for some patients, circadian dosing may be worth a try:

Night owls whose blood pressure isn't well-controlled . Dyar and Pigazzani said night-time blood pressure drugs may be helpful for people with a "late chronotype." Of course, patients shouldn't change their medication schedule on their own, they said. And doctors may want to consider other concerns, like more overnight bathroom visits with evening diuretics.

In their study, the researchers determined participants' chronotype with a few questions from the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire about what time they fell asleep and woke up on workdays and days off and whether they considered themselves "morning types" or "evening types." (The questions can be found in supplementary data for the study.)

If a physician thinks matching the timing of a dose with chronotype would help, they can consider it, Pigazzani said. "However, I must add that this was an observational study, so I would advise healthcare practitioners to wait for our data to be confirmed in new RCTs of personalized chronotherapy of hypertension."

Children and older adults getting vaccines . Timing COVID shots and possibly other vaccines from late morning to mid-afternoon could have a small benefit for individuals and a bigger public-health benefit, Haspel said. But the most important thing is getting vaccinated. "If you can only get one in the evening, it's still worthwhile. Timing may add oomph at a public-health level for more vulnerable groups."

Send comments and news tips to [email protected] .

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Understanding the Causes of the Holocaust

This essay is about the causes of the Holocaust, examining the complex factors that led to this atrocity. It highlights the deep-rooted anti-Semitism in Europe, the socio-political climate of post-World War I Germany, and the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. The essay explains how economic hardship and political instability facilitated the Nazis’ ascent to power and their implementation of radical policies. It also discusses the legal mechanisms that stripped Jews of their rights and the widespread complicity of ordinary individuals. The essay underscores the importance of understanding these causes to prevent such horrors in the future.

How it works

The Holocaust, an unparalleled tragedy in the annals of human history, led to the systematic annihilation of six million Jews and countless other innocents by the Nazi regime during the tumultuous era of World War II. Unraveling the complex tapestry of causality behind the Holocaust entails a nuanced exploration of multifaceted factors, encompassing entrenched anti-Semitism, the socio-political landscape of post-World War I Germany, and the ascendancy of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi doctrine.

Anti-Semitic sentiments had permeated European societies for epochs, manifesting in myriad forms ranging from societal ostracism to brutal pogroms.

This protracted history of prejudice provided fertile ground for the Nazis to cultivate and exploit anti-Jewish animus. Jews became convenient scapegoats for economic woes and social upheavals, a phenomenon exacerbated during periods of crisis. The aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles left Germany mired in economic disarray and political tumult, fostering an environment ripe for the germination of extremist ideologies.

The emergence of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party marked a watershed moment in the orchestration of the Holocaust. Hitler’s fanatical fixation on racial purity and the purported supremacy of the Aryan race constituted the ideological bedrock of Nazism. The Nazis promulgated the notion of Jewish inferiority and their portrayal as a perilous adversary, necessitating their eradication for the preservation and sanctity of the German Volk. This doctrine was systematically propagated through propaganda, which dehumanized Jews and cast them as a malignant scourge upon society.

The socio-economic turbulence and political instability within the Weimar Republic further facilitated the meteoric rise of the Nazis. The cataclysmic Great Depression of the late 1920s wreaked havoc on the global economy, dealing a particularly devastating blow to Germany. Hyperinflation, rampant unemployment, and widespread destitution engendered a populace desperate for radical remedies. The Nazi Party, with its pledge to resurrect Germany’s former glory and provide employment, garnered substantial support. Upon attaining power, the Nazis swiftly moved to consolidate their authority, quash political opposition, and institute their radical agenda.

The machinations of the Holocaust were set into motion through a labyrinthine labyrinth of laws and decrees systematically stripping Jews of their liberties and entitlements. The Nuremberg Laws of 1935, for instance, rendered Jews devoid of German citizenship and proscribed intermarriage or intimate relations between Jews and non-Jews. These statutes institutionalized racial discrimination and paved the way for more draconian measures. Additionally, the Nazis established a labyrinthine network of concentration camps, which eventually metamorphosed into extermination camps engineered for mass extermination.

A pivotal element was the complicity of myriad ordinary individuals who either actively participated in or passively acquiesced to the atrocities. This collusion spanned from direct involvement by Nazi functionaries and soldiers to the apathy or tacit endorsement of numerous German civilians and denizens of occupied territories. Diverse motives, including fear, indoctrination, opportunism, and anti-Semitic convictions, coalesced to engender the widespread collaboration and silence that facilitated the Holocaust.

The international response to the burgeoning menace of Nazism and the persecution of Jews proved woefully inadequate. Preceding the eruption of World War II, many nations, including the United States and Britain, evinced reluctance to harbor substantial numbers of Jewish refugees, leaving multitudes bereft of refuge. This dearth of intervention and succor for the victims further emboldened the Nazi regime in its genocidal designs.

In summation, the Holocaust was precipitated by a nexus of historical, social, political, and economic forces. Entrenched anti-Semitism, the socio-economic tumult of post-World War I Germany, the ascendance of Hitler and Nazi ideology, and the collusion of individuals and nations all played pivotal roles. Discerning these causative factors is imperative not only for comprehending the enormity of this cataclysm but also for averting the recurrence of such abominations. The Holocaust serves as an indelible testament to the catastrophic repercussions of intolerance, prejudice, and apathy in society.

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Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

How can i treat erectile dysfunction.

You can work with a health care professional to treat an underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction (ED). Choosing an ED treatment is a personal decision. However, you also may benefit from talking with your partner about which treatment is best for you as a couple.

Lifestyle changes

Your health care professional may suggest that you make lifestyle changes to help reduce or improve ED. You can

quit smoking
limit or stop drinking alcohol
increase physical activity and maintain a healthy body weight
stop illegal drug use

You can seek help from a health professional if you have trouble making these changes on your own.

Go to counseling

Talk with your doctor about going to a counselor if psychological or emotional issues are affecting your ED. A counselor can teach you how to lower your anxiety or stress related to sex. Your counselor may suggest that you bring your partner to counseling sessions to learn how to support you. As you work on relieving your anxiety or stress, a doctor can focus on treating the physical causes of ED.

A woman and man talk with each other and a counselor.

How do doctors treat erectile dysfunction?

Change your medicines.

If a medicine you need for another health condition is causing ED, your doctor may suggest a different dose or different medicine. Never stop taking a medicine without speaking with your doctor first. Read about which medicines make it more likely that you’ll develop ED .

Prescribe medicines you take by mouth

A health care professional may prescribe you an oral medicine, or medicine you take by mouth, such as one of the following, to help you get and maintain an erection :

sildenafil (Viagra)
vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
tadalafil (Cialis)
avanafil (Stendra)

All of these medicines work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation. You should not take any of these medicines to treat ED if you are taking nitrates to treat a heart condition. Nitrates widen and relax your blood vessels. The combination can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure , which may cause you to become faint or dizzy, or fall, leading to possible injuries.

Also talk to your health care professional if you are taking alpha-blockers to treat prostate enlargement . The combination of alpha-blockers and ED medicines also could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.

A health care professional may prescribe testosterone if you have low levels of this hormone in your blood. Although taking testosterone may help your ED, it is often unhelpful if your ED is caused by circulatory or nerve problems. Taking testosterone also may lead to side effects, including a high red blood cell count and problems urinating.

Testosterone treatment also has not been proven to help ED associated with age-related or late-onset hypogonadism . Do not take testosterone therapy that hasn’t been prescribed by your doctor. Testosterone therapy can affect how your other medicines work and can cause serious side effects.

A man seated taking oral medicine with water.

Prescribe injectable medicines and suppositories

Many men get stronger erections by injecting a medicine called alprostadil into the penis, causing it to become filled with blood. Oral medicines can improve your response to sexual stimulation, but they do not trigger an automatic erection like injectable medicines do.

Instead of injecting a medicine, some men insert a suppository of alprostadil into the urethra . A suppository is a solid piece of medicine that you insert into your body where it dissolves. A health care professional will prescribe a prefilled applicator for you to insert the pellet about an inch into your urethra. An erection will begin within 8 to 10 minutes and may last 30 to 60 minutes.

Discuss alternative medicines

Some men say certain alternative medicines taken by mouth can help them get and maintain an erection. However, not all “natural” medicines or supplements are safe. Combinations of certain prescribed and alternative medicines could cause major health problems. To help ensure coordinated and safe care, discuss your use of alternative medicines, including use of vitamin and mineral supplements, with a health care professional. Also, never order a medicine online without talking with your doctor.

A health care professional listens to a male patient.

How will side effects of erectile dysfunction medicines affect me?

ED medicines that you take by mouth, through an injection, or as a pellet in the urethra can have side effects, including a lasting erection known as priapism . Call a health care professional right away if an erection lasts 4 hours or longer.

A small number of men have vision or hearing loss after taking oral ED medicines. Call your health care professional right away if you develop these problems.

Prescribe a vacuum device

A vacuum device causes an erection by pulling blood into the penis. The device has three parts:

a plastic tube, which you put around your penis
a pump, which draws air out of the tube, creating a vacuum
an elastic ring, which you move from the end of the tube to the base of your penis as you remove the tube

The elastic ring maintains the erection during intercourse by preventing blood from flowing back into your body. The elastic ring can remain in place up to 30 minutes. Remove the ring after that time to bring back normal circulation and to prevent skin irritation.

You may find that using a vacuum device requires some practice or adjustment. Using the device may make your penis feel cold or numb and have a purple color. You also may have bruising on your penis. However, the bruises are most often painless and disappear in a few days. Vacuum devices may weaken ejaculation but, in most cases, the devices do not affect the pleasure of climax, or orgasm.

A black and white illustration of a man using a vacuum device on his penis. The device includes an elastic ring, a pump, and a cylinder.

Recommend Surgery

For most men, surgery should be a last resort. Talk with your doctor about whether surgery is right for you. A urologist performs surgery at a surgical center or hospital to

implant a device to make the penis erect
rebuild arteries to increase blood flow to the penis

Implanted devices. Implanted devices, known as prostheses , can help many men with ED have an erection. Implants are typically placed by a urologist. The two types of devices are

inflatable implants, which make your penis longer and wider using a pump in the scrotum
malleable implants, which are rods that allow you to manually adjust the position of your penis

You usually can leave the hospital the day of or day after the surgery. You should be able to use the implant 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Once you have either implant, you must use the device to get an erection. Possible problems with implants include breaking and infection.

Artery reconstruction. Surgery to repair arteries can reverse ED caused by blockages that stop blood flow to the penis. Usually men younger than 30 are the best candidates for this type of surgery.

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

The NIDDK would like to thank: Tom Lue, M.D., University of California San Francisco

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Dangers of Drug Trafficking
The Harsh Reality: Drug Abuse's Toll on Youth, Hustle & Relationships Revealed
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Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse
Drug trafficking is a major global concern due to the substantial impacts it has on the economies of many countries. While drug trafficking may have immense "benefits" to drug traffickers and cartels, it however, causes considerable consequences on the health and financial systems of a country (Saffer, & Chaloupka, 1995, p.12).
Essay on Drug Abuse: 150-250 words, 500 words for Students
Essay on Drug Abuse in 250-300 words. Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health. Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society.
Causes Of Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking also working together with other sorts of crime. Ultimately fueled by the economic principle of supply and demand in a world where there is a high demand for illicit substances that cannot be obtained through any legal means. Hence, this essay will discuss the three causes of drug trafficking (UNODC, 2010). Introduction
Essay on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking for Students
The relationship between drug abuse and illicit trafficking is symbiotic. The demand for drugs fuels the illicit trade, while the availability of drugs promotes abuse and addiction. This interplay creates a self-perpetuating cycle that exacerbates both problems. The illicit drug trade also has a significant impact on drug abuse rates.
Science, evidence-based facts, key to help end scourge of drug abuse
"Drug trafficking and organized crime fuel and perpetuate cycles of violence and conflict. Armed groups and terrorists' profit from the illicit drug trade, and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people even more vulnerable to drug crime and illicit crop cultivation", Mr. Guterres underscored.
Organized Crime Module 3 Key Issues: Drug Trafficking
The 2019 World Drug Report estimates that in 2017 over a quarter of a billion people had used drugs at least once in the previous year. Overall, drug consumption has increased by 30% between 2009 and 2017 - from 210 million to 271 million -, in part as a result of global population growth, with higher prevalence over time of the use of opioids ...
PDF GLOBAL OVERVIEW: DRUG DEMAND DRUG SUPPLY
On drug supply, the booklet provides an overview of the extent of illicit crop cultivation and trends in drug pro-duction and trafficking, including of NPS, at the global level. In addition, it reviews the latest evidence regarding the supply of drugs and other substances through drug markets on the Internet. It includes a chapter dedicated
Essay Example: Causes Of Drug Trafficking
The intricate web of factors contributing to the proliferation of drug trafficking is a multifaceted issue that demands a comprehensive understanding. This essay delves into the causes of drug trafficking, exploring the sociopolitical, economic, and cultural dimensions that contribute to the perpetuation of this illicit trade. Historical Context:
PDF An Introduction to Human Trafficking: Vulnerability, Impact and Action
trafficking in persons, and that this battle can not be fought, or won, alone. As at 4 December 2007, 116 nations had ratified the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, thereby providing a common framework for international efforts. Only by joining forces, pooling knowledge, expand-
Drug Trafficking in the US: Causes and Effects
The drug cartels are using violence that is only seen in times of war such has beheading anyone that opposes there power. The cartels have it out especially for the police, media, and government officials. It was reported in 2008 that the Mexican federal police chief was killed by drug cartels during a drug bust.
The Causes Of Drug Trafficking
The major crack down on drug trafficking came in 1971 by President Nixon and later President Raegan in 1980s. The crack down on the drug trade during this time would come to be known as the War on Drugs. The government attacked the drug trade by going at its supply hopping to cripple drug traffickers "Nixon called. Get Access.
The Effects Of Drug Trafficking On Our Lives
Conclusion. Drug trafficking affects many parts of our lives. Drug trafficking is an illegal trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, and distribution. It has caused many problems for others. The international conflict is being fought daily. It affects our social, mental, and academic life.
Drugs, Violence, and Trauma in Mexico and the USA
The impact of illicit drug markets on the occurrence of violence varies tremendously depending on many factors. Over the last years, Mexico and the USA have increased security border issues that included many aspects of drug-related trade and criminal activities. Mexico experienced only a small reduction in trauma deaths after the enforcement ...
The Causes Of Drug Trafficking In The United States
The Causes Of Drug Trafficking In The United States. "The mexican drug war left more than 60,000 people dead and threatened to destroy the entire country.". Drugs have been a big thing in countries across Latin America for many years. One of the most popular drugs there is Cocaine. Many people believe that Latin America is drug populated.
Mexico's Long War: Drugs, Crime, and the Cartels
Summary. Mexican drug cartels are leading suppliers of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit narcotics to the United States. The cartels and the drug trade fuel rampant corruption ...
Drug trafficking essay
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious problems for most countries all over the world. Unfortunately, this type of business is rather profitable, if not to consider that it is constantly related to murders, kidnapping, prostitution and other crimes. Certainly drug trafficking contributes to better distribution of drugs, thus involving more ...
PDF Economic and Social Consequences of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Global estimates of the total illicit drug industry. With estimates of $100 billion to $110 billion for heroin, $110 billion to $130 billion for cocaine, $75 billion for cannabis and $60 billion for synthetic drugs, the probable global figure for the total illicit drug industry would be approximately $360 billion.
Drug Trafficking: A Growing Problem for India
Accepted 12 December 2021. Abstract. Drug trafficking is the worldwide practice of distributing drugs and other substances which are legally banned under narcotic s and. associated laws. It ...
Essay on Drug Addiction
The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June. Drug addiction impacts millions and needs to be treated carefully to prevent further harm to the individual and letting them live a better life. Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English 250 words. Drug addiction refers to taking ...
Drug Courier Profile Paper: [Essay Example], 851 words
Drug Courier Profile Paper. Drug couriers, often referred to as "mules," play a critical role in the illicit drug trade, acting as the primary agents for transporting illegal substances across borders and within countries. The profile of a drug courier is multifaceted and complex, influenced by various socioeconomic, psychological, and ...
Warnings of new deadly chemical in street drug supply : NPR
Xylazine, a deadly new street drug, caught the U.S. off guard. Experts say it'll happen again. Experts say the chemical, mixed into counterfeit pills and powders sold on the street, slows the ...
Feds said drug money fueled Miami firm's real estate buying spree, but
Sefira Capital, a Miami-based real estate investment firm, was accused by federal prosecutors in a 2021 civil forfeiture complaint of accepting millions of dollars worth of drug trafficking ...
Research on Drug Trafficking
The World Drug Report consists of two products, a web-based element and a set of booklets. The latest global, regional and subregional estimates of and trends in drug demand and supply are presented in a user-friendly, interactive online segment.. While Special points of interest include key takeaways and policy implications, booklet 1 takes the form of an executive summary based on analysis ...
Chronotherapy: Why Timing Drugs to Our Body Clocks May Work
A new analysis published in this month's issue of The Lancet journal's eClinicalMedicine suggests: Yes, they do — if you consider the patient's individual body clock. The study is the first to ...
Understanding the Causes of the Holocaust
In summation, the Holocaust was precipitated by a nexus of historical, social, political, and economic forces. Entrenched anti-Semitism, the socio-economic tumult of post-World War I Germany, the ascendance of Hitler and Nazi ideology, and the collusion of individuals and nations all played pivotal roles. Discerning these causative factors is ...
PDF ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES Tool 9.2 Addressing the root causes of
Trafficking is a complex phenomenon that is often driven or influenced by social, economic, cultural and other factors. Many of these factors are specific to individual trafficking patterns and to the States in which they occur. There are, however, many factors that tend to be common to trafficking in general or found in a wide range of ...
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
The combination can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may cause you to become faint or dizzy, or fall, leading to possible injuries. Also talk to your health care professional if you are taking alpha-blockers to treat prostate enlargement. The combination of alpha-blockers and ED medicines also could cause a sudden drop in blood ...

Essay on Drug Abuse

Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Introduction :

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Prevention and Education

Treatment and Recovery

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Creating Supportive Communities:

Conclusion :

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Drugs, Violence, and Trauma in Mexico and the USA

Juan Carlos Jacob Puyana

Andres Mariano Rubiano

Jorge Hernan Montenegro

Glyn O. Estebanez

Alvaro Ignacio Sanchez

Felipe Vega-Rivera

Introduction

The Context of Violence and Illicit Drug Trade in Mexico

Drug-Related Violence and Injuries in Mexico

The Context of Violence and Illicit Drug Trade in the USA

Drug-Related Violence and Injuries in the USA

Disclosure Statement

Acknowledgements

Mexico’s Long War: Drugs, Crime, and the Cartels

Introduction

What drugs do the cartels traffic?

Which are the largest cartels?

Daily News Brief

What led to the cartels’ growth?

How are drugs smuggled into the United States?

What measures has Mexico taken to stem the drug trade?

What has been the toll on human rights?

What assistance has the U.S. government provided?

U.S.-Mexico Relations

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