Many people believe that United States experiences the worst drug problems, but there are nations with higher addiction rates, such as Russia. Some of these countries do not provide treatment for addicted individuals. As a result, a large number of citizens are left homeless and hopeless. In Russia, intravenous drug use has become a social problem, especially among adults and teenagers. Those in the drug department claim that there are about 1 million users, while some experts assert that the number can reach 2 million (Archives et al. 2018). After the fall of the Soviet Union, substance abuse increased significantly (Archives et al. 2018). Drug abuse in Russia has become a social problem, and the government is trying to control it by formulating laws that discourage its use among the citizens.
Drugs are Problematic in Russia
When USSR still existed, Russia never participated in the intercontinental narcotics markets as a consumer of illegal drugs. With the beginning of a new millennium, the condition changed dramatically (Potrikeeva et al. 2017). Presently, the country is known worldwide as the fast-growing drug trafficking nation. Substance abuse has become a problem, and the government has not developed measures to prevent it. Those who are addicted are not supported through treatment programs, and the number of homeless people has increased considerably (Aasland, Kropp, & Meylakhs 2019). The rate of drug abuse is high within the populated regions such as the western and southern parts of the country.
The reports from Russian Federal Services, which is mandated with Narcotics’ control, said that drug related crimes have risen significantly. As the addiction increases, it continues to spread across the country (Gritsenko et al. 2017). According to the National Institute on drug abuse, about 4-6 million people regularly use the drug (Gritsenko et al. 2017). Statistically, the problem of drug abuse in the country has risen to 40% (Potrikeeva et al. 2017). This is not the highest globally, but the primary concern is about the upsurge in Russia, which the government has confessed as a troublesome problem. Many people are dying in Russia due to the high rate of substance abuse in the country.
Are There Drug Policies Punitive or Treatment Based
The high rates of the drug use in Russia are associated with inadequate substance abuse policy. Policies are essential because they can indirectly or directly affect the lives of people through the reproduction of social suffering (Potrikeeva et al. 2017). Therefore, the procedures being enacted by the government can be referred to as social intolerance. The objective of the law is to encourage and legitimize the ill-treatment of those who are using drugs. In reality, the policy violates human rights because people are subjected to ideologically and unscientific drug prevention approaches and treatment methods (Golichenko & Chu 2018). Individuals who are addicted are denied the opportunity to access essential services such as medication and rehabilitation.
There are rehabilitation centers in Russia, but they do not serve their purpose because they are referred to as jails. The centers are using the hypnotic technique in which they are instilling fear in the mind of the addict. Such people are being warned that if they use drugs again, then they will eventually die (Golichenko & Chu 2018). The treatments in these facilities are disappointing, and they are not concerned with the well-being of the addicts. Studies conducted in these facilities and respective individuals indicate that 90% of the addicts relapse in a year or less (Gritsenko et al. 2017). A limited number of these treatment centers make efforts to educate addicts on how to live a drug-free life. Hence in Russia, there are policies and treatment for the addict, but they are not addressing drug abuse.
Problem Experienced in the Society as a Result of Drug
In Russia, there are many problems which have been generated as a result of drugs use among the citizens. Substance use has an adverse impact on an individual’s social functioning, and it also creates a burden for society (Gritsenko et al. 2017). Disorders developed due to drug use contribute to medical conditions, death, and disability. Most cases of suicide reported in the country are associated with substance use (Gritsenko et al. 2017). Deaths affect the community because those who should contribute to the economic development are the ones dying. The majority are youths who are expected to take active roles in society.
There are many problems which are linked to drug abuse in society, such as criminal activity, housing instability, homelessness, early pregnancy, incarceration, unemployment, and dependence on welfare. These are issues that contribute to instability in society and also result in moral decay (Potrikeeva et al. 2017). The costs associated with these problems are enormous, and they create an economic burden on the community and the government (Golichenko & Chu 2018). Most families are broken because if parents are addicted to drugs, children are left with no one to support them. Such children drop out of school due to lack of money, among other amenities.
Drug Laws of Russia and United States
The drug laws in Russia are similar to the United States because they violate human rights. Millions of people are suffering from drug addiction, yet the government uses the existing laws to arrest them rather than developing support-awareness programs (Potrikeeva et al. 2017). The authorities should assist the citizens, but they are using draconian laws to deny them their rights. Police offer to hunt down drug addicts intending to fill quotas as this entails a bonus (Golichenko, & Chu 2018). They are also fond of placing drugs into the language of people they suspect to be drug dealers or addicts.
Laws regulating drugs in Russia are not adequate, which has hindered the government from achieving its objective. Those who are expected to enforce the rules, such as the police, are extorting the citizens (Golichenko & Chu 2018). The police are corrupt, and they are taking money from those who are found with illegal drugs (Gritsenko et al. 2017). These substances find their way in schools, and children start learning how to use them due to peer pressure. It implies that those with money have their freedom, which is derailing the efforts towards eradicating drugs in the country.
Minority Groups and drug laws
The drug laws are not implemented to regulate minority groups in Russia, but they are applied selectively. For example, even if a person belongs to a minority group and has money to bribe the officers, they are not charged (Gritsenko et al. 2017). Drug traffickers are taking advantage of the porous borders to continue with their activities. They are also supported and facilitated by corrupt officials (Golichenko & Chu 2018). Laws have been developed to help destroy the network of those engaging in drugs, but it has not been possible. Therefore, drug laws in Russia do not target minority groups, but they focus on addressing the issue.
Laws in Russia and the United States on Drugs
Russia has what is known as draconian drug laws. According to article 228 of the penal code, it is meant to regulate the distribution, purchase, possession, production, and processing of drugs. These laws are very harsh, and death penalty was issued for most of the criminal offenses (Golichenko & Chu 2018). Despite having a robust law, the country has not managed to eradicate substance abuse in the nation. In the United States, federal law prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs (Van Hespen 2020). Additionally, Drugs laws in United States are extremely punitive and they target the black community and the poor. Those who are involved in drug activities are subjected to strict penalties such as mandatory prison terms. The punishments become more severe when the use of drugs has resulted in severe bodily injury or death.
Conclusion
Many nations are experiencing drug problems, including Russia, and this has created social-economic instability. Challenges brought by substance abuse are many, including homelessness, early pregnancy, financial burden, insecurity, and increased criminal activities. There are laws regulating drug abuse in Russia, but they have not managed to bring meaningful results. The rehabilitation centers, which are meant to treat addicts, are used as a place of punishment. Substance abuse causes disorder in society since those expected to play active roles are either dead or sick. The laws in Russia are harsh compared to the United States because sometimes the culprits are sentenced to death.
References
Aasland, A., Kropp, S., & Meylakhs, A. Y. 2019. Between Collaboration and Subordination: State and Non-state Actors in Russian Anti-drug Policy. Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 31(2), 422-436.
Archives, C. P., Consult, C., & Psychopharmacology, S. 2018. Substance abuse among older adults: A growing problem. Current Psychiatry, 17(3), 14-20.
Golichenko, M., & Chu, S. K. H. 2018. Human rights in patient care: drug treatment and punishment in Russia. Public Health Reviews, 39(1), 1-12.
Gritsenko, V., Gavronova, Y., Khalepo, O., Reznik, A., & Isralowitz, R. 2017. University Student Attitudes Toward Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking in Russia. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(2), 350-355.
Potrikeeva et al., 2017. Social rehabilitation of drug addicts in Russia: Problems of organization at the current stage and prospects for further development. Man in India, 97(11), 489-500.
Van Hespen, I. 2020. Can the Law Contribute to Combating Illicit Narcotic Drug Trafficking by Sea? The US Legal Framework and the Extra-Territorial Enforcement Jurisdiction of Coastal States. Journal for International Trade and Transport Law-Tijdschrift voor Internationale Handel en Transportrecht-Revue de Droit du Commerce International et des Transports, 20(1), 3-66.