70s Drug War Beginnings
Recreational use of drugs began in the 1970s as it was a symbol of rebellion and throughout time recreational use slowly turned into serious drug abuse. In June of 1971, Richard Nixon declared the "War On Drugs." The programs and events that occurred during the drug war is why the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is so prominent in today's society. Nixon's criminalization of marijuana and other drugs is most likely the reason for why marijuana usage and drug use is viewed today in such a negative way in contrast to the way drugs were viewed in the 70s.
80s Drug Problem
Drug abuse became a huge social problem in the 1980s, especially among the young generation, urging random drug tests and personal searches at many schools. The drug that defined the drug problem in the 80s, was crack-cocaine and cocaine. In several American polls that took place during the course of the 1980s, drugs remained to be the top social issue. Programs such as D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) were implemented to teach young people about the harmful effects of drugs and drug abuse. Many public service announcements were broadcasted at this time to make people aware of how dangerous drugs are. When Ronald Reagan came into office, his unexpected expansion of the drug war increased the rate of incarceration.
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From 80s to 90s
Drug Issues Today
The Future
Progress is slow but there is some movement in reforming drug policy in today's politics. Ideal drug policies should be shaped by science, compassion, and understanding rather than political hysteria like there was in the past.