War on Drugs Unsuccessful, Drug Czar Says

This article explains what exactly has been (or rather has not been) accomplished in the past forty years in regards to America's war on drugs. Forty years ago President Nixon declared a war on drugs. However it would appear that this fight against drug abuse is a failed attempt and has already cost our country around $1 trillion. According to this article, America is fighting a losing battle. The budget for the war on drugs has increased dramatically and yet our country is not getting the results we want. In all, this article informs readers that America's war on drugs is nothing more than an expensive failure. I was appalled when I read how much this war is costing our country when that money could be put towards finding effective solutions to other society issues such as healthcare.

While I do agree that drug abuse is a serious issue in American society, I feel like the money being spent on fighting drug abuse would be better spent elsewhere. Billions of dollars are being spent on advertising the "Just Say No" campaign and arresting drug offenders when they will be back on the streets in just a few years. What happens to the drug addicts after they get arrested? Arresting addicts does not cure the addiction. If anything the money being spent on the war on drugs should go primarily to rehabilitation clinics, not prisons. The United States should be helping those addicted to drugs; not arresting them and sending them to jail. Drug addiction is a mental disease. While its a person's decision whether or not they do drugs they don't have a say in whether or not they become addicted. Once a person is addicted they need help and support in order to break their addiction. America needs to reevaluate how we are battling drug abuse before we spend any more money on it because obviously, as proven by this article, our current approach is ineffective.

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