Drug addiction is a negative social outcome attributed to immorality and discrimination. Individuals consuming drugs are taken to rehabilitation centers for recovery. Nevertheless, a compelling argument emerged, claiming that punishing and criminalizing habitual consumption is an ineffective approach to curbing addiction. The countries which implement bans in law, such as the U.S. and the U.K., have failed to record positive results against illicit drug use over the past 100 years (Hari, 2015). Adopting legislative restrictions and punitive mechanisms are ineffective in reducing the menace significantly. Ideally, the traditional misguided perception of drug addiction should be transformed and enhanced by creating stable social bonds for timely recovery among chronic users.
The approach of practicing social comfort to addicts is a successful tactic evidenced in different contexts. For instance, Portugal managed to reduce habit levels among the population by introducing dynamic political changes to embrace cocaine and heroin users. The country’s leadership encouraged economic initiatives which integrated addicts into society by offering employment opportunities (Hari, 2015). Eventually, the country recorded a drastic reduction in addiction levels as the victims enhanced social bonds in the workplace and at home. It is to mention that social connections could transform chemical ties of drug addiction.
I believe that enhancing social bonds is more useful than criminalizing drugs and implementing punitive measures against addiction. It is through productive interaction with people that social connection aid in avoiding drug dependence. Criminalizing it causes social disconnection as the sufferers experience discrimination and condemnation. Lack of emotional interaction and long periods of loneliness force the victims to create chemical connections entailing addiction. I think communities should transform the traditional misguided approach of reducing the rates of drug consumption. Individuals engaged in drug addiction should be provided with the platforms and frameworks which will improve their social lives.
Reference
Hari, J. (2015). Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong [Video]. TED. Web.