Drugs no longer have an effect only in poor neighborhoods,they're everywhere

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Drugs have become a major concern across this country because of the effect that it has on ethnic & educational class barrier lines, it knows no prejudices and has no boundaries. Drugs have such a critical effect on all of us and our families, it is undoubtedly out of control and quite frankly the chances of getting things under control are less likely to occur anytime soon.

It wasn't until the epidemic of drugs started to really affect white suburbia that the attention needed so long ago has finally come and the realization of this major issue is suddenly a concern for America, the largest market for drug usage in the world.

I recently read an article by an excellent writer that really defined this drug issue quite eloquently and placed things into perspective. Jesse Mechanic, Founding Editor of TheOvergrown.com stated this fact: (Quote:)

The opioid epidemic has, at least recently, been met with empathy, creativity, and heart. The crack epidemic of the 1980s was met with scorn and punishment. The rhetoric around crack painted addicts as wild animals, “Super Predators” who needed to be brought to “heel.” It was easier for lawmakers, pundits and the like to separate themselves from the crisis, as nearly all of them were white and well-off. The crack epidemic almost exclusively impacted people of color living in poor neighborhoods—it was a problem of another world. This made it far easier to implement draconian policies that actively dehumanized those afflicted. Jessie went on to say that White people with money weren’t affected by the crack epidemic, it was out of sight, out of mind. But things have changed. (UnQuote)

 A study by JAMA Psychiatry found that heroin usage among white people has risen dramatically over the last decade. The opioid epidemic has cast a wide net; it has traversed neighborhoods of all shapes, sizes and income levels. Now, we, the populace at large and those who purport to lead us, care deeply about the issue of drug addiction. The fierce condemnation and accompanying villainization of the ’80s and ’90s have been replaced by a nurturing, sympathetic approach.

No one can argue the fact that since this opioid addiction has catapulted to the mainstream and crossed the economic barriers, having a tragic and monumental effect on white suburbia, Mainstream America did not really care. As long as drugs remained in Black Neighborhoods and affected Black people, It did not matter to America at large.

While I am deeply disheartened by the fact that drugs in our communities are ruining so many lives and families across all types of class spectrum; I am encouraged that maybe now; we as Americans can begin to attempt to get this epidemic, catastrophic dilemma under control, while we begin to provide the help that is so vitally needed in all communities, regardless of any economic disadvantages that we may encounter. We must address this problem collectively, as American citizens.

We are and will always be Americans in this fight together until the end.

• In 2014, African Americans constituted 2.3 million, or 34%, of the total 6.8 million correctional population. It is unequal to say the least.
• African Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of whites.
• The imprisonment rate for African American women is twice that of white women.
• Nationwide, African American children represent 32% of children who are arrested, 42% of children who are detained, and 52% of children whose cases are judicially waived to criminal court.
• Though African Americans and Hispanics make up approximately 32% of the US population, they comprised 56% of all incarcerated people in 2015.

Read this racial disparity in drug arrest reports.

https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rdusda.pdf