Interpreting Social Issues in America

In America, numerous factors shape our perception of the world and influence our daily behaviors and cognitive processes. We do not navigate our lives free from conflict or mitigating circumstances; instead, we are enveloped by a myriad of issues that continuously shape our environment. A distinct and often blurred line exists between political and social issues, as these domains frequently intersect. What we perceive as social concerns often become platforms for political discourse, while political policies can give rise to social challenges.

This essay will explore the nature of social issues in America, with a particular focus on substance abuse, and examine how political actions intersect with these societal problems.

Defining Social Problems

Before delving into specific social issues in America, it is essential to understand how a social issue is defined and conceptualized. According to Charles Zastrow, a social problem is recognized when it is brought to public attention by influential groups within society. These groups highlight specific conditions affecting a significant portion of the population, and such problems are deemed addressable through collective societal action (Zastrow, 1992). Essentially, a social problem emerges when it impacts individuals or communities and is declared as such by those affected. In America, numerous social problems have been identified, necessitating both political and social interventions. Issues such as immigration statuses, clean water crises, and gun violence are prevalent, impacting millions of Americans. A long-standing social problem affecting nearly every American, directly or indirectly, is substance abuse and addiction.

Substance Abuse as a Social Issue

Substance abuse in America is a multifaceted social problem. It not only adversely affects individuals struggling with addiction but also has far-reaching negative consequences for those around them and society as a whole. This issue does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status; anyone can be affected. Factors such as low income and lack of education can increase susceptibility to substance abuse, leading to severe health consequences like infections from needle use or cirrhosis due to alcoholism.

From an economic perspective, substance abuse imposes a significant financial burden on the nation. In 2007, healthcare costs related to drug treatments and medical expenses amounted to $11 billion, criminal justice costs reached $61 billion, and lost productivity costs soared to $120 billion due to factors like labor participation costs, drug treatment programs, incarceration, and premature death (How Elicit Drug Use Affects Business and the Economy, 2011).

Rural America's Crisis

Rural America faces a unique challenge regarding substance abuse, with a distinct crisis unfolding in small farm towns. Heroin poses a significant threat in these areas, where deep-rooted issues like food insecurity, housing, and transportation problems exacerbate the widespread opioid crisis (Milano, 2018). A survey conducted by the National Farmers Union and the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2017 revealed that 74% of farmers in rural America were directly affected by the opioid epidemic (Survey Shows Massive Opioid Impact in Farm Country, 2017).

Historical Context and Current Policies

The issue of substance abuse in America is not a recent development. Alcohol consumption has been prevalent since colonial times, with treatment facilities for alcoholism emerging in the late 18th to early 19th centuries (Henninger & Sung, 2014). The Progressive Era marked a period of reform, including the expansion of alcohol treatment centers. The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act aimed to regulate over-the-counter medications containing cocaine, opiates, or cannabis (Brown, 1981). However, the act inadvertently enabled drug use, leading to further reforms.

In the 1960s, psychedelic drug use surged in America, with LSD, cocaine, PCP, and marijuana becoming widely used (Brown, 1981). The Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 was a pivotal policy that established the controlled substance schedule, categorizing drugs based on their potential for abuse.

Two current policies addressing the social problem of substance abuse include the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016 and the National Drug Control Strategy. CARA, established by President Obama, takes a comprehensive approach to the opioid epidemic, incorporating prevention, treatment, recovery, law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and overdose reversal (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, n.d.). The National Drug Control Strategy, which has evolved over the years, aims to reduce illicit drug use, address trafficking issues, and promote evidence-based health initiatives (National Drug Control Strategy, 2011; 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, substance abuse remains a significant social issue in America, impacting individuals, families, and communities across the nation. Understanding the historical context, the economic burden, and the unique challenges faced by rural America is crucial for addressing this pervasive problem. Current policies, such as CARA and the National Drug Control Strategy, represent efforts to combat substance abuse through comprehensive approaches. However, continued collaboration between political and social entities is essential to effectively tackle this issue and create a healthier, more resilient society.

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