The Effects of Drug Abuse in America

The effects of drug abuse in America reach beyond the scope of what may be apparent at first glance. Like a pebble tossed into a pond, the ripple effect of drug abuse touches every age group, from babies in the womb to senior citizens. Several further considerations add to the ramifications of drug abuse in the United States.

Costs

• Drug abuse costs billions of dollars. Costs include health care, death and crime. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in 2002, the latest year for which figures are available, economic costs topped $180 billion. Additional costs include extra law enforcement personnel, lost work productivity and auto accidents.

Health

• Drug abuse can cause numerous health-related complications, including about 2 million emergency room visits in 2008 alone, according to the Office of Drug Control Policy. Alcohol consumption and other substance abuse during pregnancy can result in birth defects or on-going complications for the child after birth, including learning disabilities. Additional chronic health issues include hepatitis, AIDS, tuberculosis and sexually-transmitted diseases because of risky behaviors. The use of tobacco and alcohol by minors can result in eventual premature death from health-related issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, tobacco contributes to 11 percent to 30 percent of cancer deaths and 30 percent of deaths related to heart disease.

Environmental Risks

• A variety of safety and environmental risks pose a threat to the overall well-being of many Americans. When alcohol-impaired or intoxicated individuals or those under the influence of illicit substances drive, disastrous consequences can result, including death. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, law enforcement shut down almost 10,000 methamphetamine labs in 2009. Growers of marijuana use combinations of pesticides and fertilizers to cultivate their crops, with resulting negative environmental effects on the land.

Crime

• Society cannot measure the full effect of drug abuse as it relates to crime. Drug abuse affects the quality of American neighborhoods through an increased crime presence. In a 2009 study across 10 major U.S. cities, between 56 percent and 82 percent of all those arrested tested positive for recent drug use, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Criminals may commit offenses directly related to substance abuse, such as possession, sales or production, or they might engage in crime to support their habit, including theft or fraud. Drug trafficking, often associated with gangs, can generate even more violent crimes, both in the United States and in Mexico, which is the pipeline for many types of illicit drugs.

Work

• Drug use hinders overall workplace productivity. According to the National Criminal Justice Research Center, 7.4 million adult illegal drug users -- or 71 percent -- work at least part-time. These individuals suffer a higher rate of absenteeism, consume more health benefits, require more disciplinary measures and have greater job turnover than non-users.