Harm minimization refers to the process that is incorporated so as to reduce the harm that is associated with drugs. In this regard, the society frowns against the use of drugs in a manner that does not fall within the medical circles and conditions. Drug abuse involves the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. At the same time, drug abuse involves the use of drugs such as pain killers in a manner that is not recognized or allowed by the medical practitioners’ board. In essence, the above phenomenon denotes that the drug abuse is a real societal issue that cannot be taken for granted. Drug abuse is a menace to society. A survey conducted in the USA by the University of Texas revealed that 86 per cent of teenagers in the USA have abused drugs at some point In the opinion of this ensuing instance, drug abuse has received an overwhelming control instance in as far as its effects are concerned. I do not believe that there is any place in the whole world where the society has accepted drugs to be along the parameters that dictate the lives of people (Been, 2013, pp. 2-56). On the other hand, there have been well faceted strategies that have been put in place so as to usurp the horrific instances that reflect the after effects of a society engulfed in drug abuse. In this case, most countries including Australian have established centers that function to educate the society about the dangers of drug abuse. In a nutshell, abstinence and drug minimization are the main instances that have been documented in the world history in as far as abetting drug related issue is concerned (Harold, 2014, pp. 12-45).
There are various programs and procedures that have been established by these institutions so as to ensure that drug addiction instances in the society are done away with. As a result, the society shall dwell upon parameters that are well faceted in terms of the effects of drug abuse. It should, however, be noted that drug abuse is not a personal issue; it is a community issue. When viewed from a country, set up drug abuse can deteriorate activities that are centered towards development. In this regard, the rate of development of our country will be greatly impeded if we do not take adequate concerns and care. In as far as a drug minimization is concerned, most countries that do not strictly advocate for drug abuse have a well-orchestrated system that takes due regard on the aspects that touch on the following; drug minimization is established in such a way that it I supposed to enlighten the society in the country concerned of the drug issue is a matter of reality and cogency (Hansen, 2012, pp. 20-30).Instances of drugs being terms as hearsays are uncalled for. Seminars are organized where people are required to attend meetings that are oriented towards offering information that relates drug abuse. At this center, Specialists are brought on board so s to adequately canvass instances that are related to drugs. In most of these for a case studies and examples of people who had gone the process of drug addiction are brought on board. The reason for such moves is to ensure that people are well aware of the possible effects of drugs that exist within their scope (Cansen, 2009, pp. 9-23).
As a matter of fact, some people think that the issue of drug addiction is only for a few designated group of individuals while, in essence, even the religious, pious people are at one point, or another under the direct or indirect effects of drug abuse. It is significant to dictate that, this initiative aims at accurately dealing with the situation since not all society members are drug addicts. On the other hand, this move can be taken as that that reduces of the costs and charges that the state uses in solving instances that come to dealing with drug related affairs. In the organizations that are set in the name of rehabilitation centers, it follows that people are enlightened on matters that pertain their drug related lives. In this regard, officials with a well vast knowledge in matters of drug and substance abuse are incorporated so as to deal with the issues to finality. Similarly, rehabilitation centers are established by these states bearing in mind that these individuals engage in drug abuse for reasons that are diverse. The stratum that is under regard is hence taken through a process that aims to undo what alcoholism or any other drug has done to their systems (Kelvin, 2012, pp. 3-9).
When it comes to abstinence, it is regarded as a mild, effective method of dealing with drug related issues because; most people do not come to terms when they are discouraged against some aspects of drug abuse. As a result of this aspect, most governments do not advocate for abstinence as an effective method to curb effects that come along with drug abuse (Arston, 2009, pp. 21-22). In essence, abstinence works best for teenagers as opposed to other individuals such as the old. How does it sound when you are spotted encouraging a group of ninety plus men and women of age on abstinence? It sounds old fashioned, unrealistic and misplaced in ideologies and facts.
In order for a society to be rid of drug abuse, most countries have revised their penal codes so as to increase penalties that fall along a criminal act within the emblements of illegal drugs. In this context, it is a common instance to find out that, in most countries, people are punishable by law if they are found in possession of drug. An empirical analysis reported by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that tougher drug laws increased the price of cocaine by between 10 and 15 percent. Consequently, consumption reduced because the drug was more expensive than before.
At the moment, law enforcement agents in the name of the police accost you; you have to take responsibility of the drug. Furthermore, it follows that heavy penalties are equated to the act of being possession of drugs. All that the court needs to ascertain is that you were found in possession of drugs. The element of criminal law on possession is in itself an ingredient towards criminalizing the act (Richard, 2012, pp. 4-10). Once the intention it is found by the court, people are connected. In almost all countries with the exception of a few, these instances are followed by imprisonment. The punishment is purposed to be of a deterrence value. People are deterred from engaging in similar drug related aspects. It also serves to offer vigilance within the respective countries that the particular law serves progressively as opposed to a retrogressive approach. From psychological studies of humanity most human brings learn from experiences, when a person sees his neighbor rotting in jail for a term that is indefinite, he or she will shy away from anything that connects or seems related to drugs.
In countries such as those that deliberate upon a platform that is oriented on a developed platform, it follows that, drug abuse is highly punishable. Drug abuse is usually followed by the death penalty. In such countries, it is likely that the social fabric is strictly respected from the fact that, drugs are nuisance, back trailers and absolute destructions to any development. However, very strict measures are considered before any executions of death are made. The process must be lawful and within law (Australian Government, 2013, pp. 1-45). A person cannot wake up today and decide to institute a death scheme on his fellows just because they have been found drinking.
On the other hand, guidance and counseling is a significant element of reducing and curbing excessive use of drugs hence drug abuse. In such moves, countries such as Kenya have platforms that are put in place so as to entrench the process to the highest of levels. Taking Kenya as a case study, it follows that it has a unit called, NACADA. In essence, it is an officially regarded institute that deals with drugs. The center conducts research and related instances. Drugs such as alcohol are identified as the most significant drugs in as far as impeding societal activities are concerned. On the same case, it follows that, findings of the institution have a direct impact to the laws of the country, Kenya in as far as this discussion is concerned.
Harm minimization takes the course of enlightening people of the possible consequences associated with drug abuse. On the same case, harm minimization takes the shape of making sure that drugs are used in a manner and extent that falls within acceptable levels. However the direction that this research has taken, it is not true to assert that, all drugs are illegalized, what is at the peak and tip of interest is to ensure that our societies do not get victimized by these instances.
References
Arston, J. (2009). Reducing The Harm of Drug Use and Dependence. Huffington Post, 21-22.
Australian Government. (2013). Hard Drugs and Law. Law Enforcement Journal, 1-45.
Been, R. (2013). The Biological, Cognitive and Social Effects of Drugs. Addiction in Adolescents Journal, Canberra.
Cansen, V. (2009). The Science of Addiction. Huffington Post, 9-23.
Hansen, P. (2012). Social Consequences of Cocaine and Marijuana. Drug Control Journal, 20-30.
Harold, P. (2014). Economic Consequences of Drug Abuse. New York Times, 12-45.
Kelvin, H. (2012). Societties and Drugs. New York Times, 3-9.
Richard, P. (2012). Reducing Harm For Alcohol. United States Center for Drug Abuse JOurnal, 4-10.
