Would the legalization of drugs in America be a good thing?

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        The legalization of drugs in America has been under contemplation for many years and yet it has not changed for many obvious reasons. Drugs have several side effects that cause people to do bad things that they maybe normally would not do. The decriminalization of drugs would create an up rise in the amount of users committing worse crimes than if they were just arrested for the drugs. One of the arguments of advocates for legalization is that they have the right to do what they want to their body but using drugs affects not only themselves but everyone around them, whether it be friends, family or strangers.

        The use of illicit drugs is illegal because of their mind-altering effects on the brain, damaging impact on the body, inimical impact on behavior, and potential for abuse. The use of these kinds of drugs threatens the health, welfare, and safety of all people – users and non-users alike. Illegal drugs can cause damage to the major organs such as the brain and the heart, and really change the way a person behaves. Adults that use drugs usually have problems with their memory, paying attention and thinking clearly. This will hurt their ability to work and their relationships with other people. Teenage drug users will often act out, not be able to pay attention in school and eventually drop out. A parents’ drug abuse often causes hectic, stress-filled homes that can include child abuse and neglect. This harms the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the child and introduction to this behavior can set the stage for repeated acts in the next generation. Unborn babies exposed to drugs may be born premature, underweight and possibly addicted to the drug(s) that its mother used. This can slow the development and behavior of the child in the future. There are already so many broken homes in America, with children rightfully being taken from their parents for one reason or another and being placed into foster care. This would only continue to increase and overload Child Protective Services.

 These are some of the health reasons why drugs are illegal and should stay that way.

        The influence that drugs have on people is astonishing and very dangerous. Many drug users commit violent crimes while on drugs. These crimes can range from property damage and theft to rape, assault, murder and abuse. Others, who cannot hold a job, will commit robberies to pay not only for their drugs, but things such as food, clothing, and some other necessities. As Joseph Califano, a member of the previous president Johnson’s cabinet, once stated, “Drugs like marijuana and cocaine are not dangerous because they are illegal, they are illegal because they are dangerous.”

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        Some people begin with casual drug use or experimenting with a drug but eventually they become addicted with continued use. One in eight illicit drug users will develop drug dependency which is a person requiring a drug to function normally and stopping it abruptly would cause withdrawal symptoms. Sooner or later, for most people, the drug they are using will not be enough and they will have to get their high from a more hardcore drug.

        Drugged driving or driving under the influence is the use of any drug that affects the brain and impairs one’s motor skills, reaction ...

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