Can You Imagine Life in a Drug-Free Society?

Thousands of creative and imaginative minds helped our country grow and prosper.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those brilliant minds could also come up with a solution for substance abuse and addiction?  If so, what kind of changes would occur in society without drug-related crime, deaths, and the resulting financial burdens?  It may seem like a utopian dream that can’t come true, but let’s try to imagine what life in a drug-free society would be like.

The human brain is amazing. Unless something interferes with its functioning.  Today, some of the things that hinder our brain’s potential are drugs and alcohol.  In fact, more than 23.5 million people in America are currently addicted to those substances, according to government statistics.  Sadly, that translates to millions of people who are unable to contribute to their families or communities.  Many of these individuals become a burden to society.  The costs involved in addressing crime, incarcerations, hospitalizations, or treatment are staggering.

How Would Life in a Drug-Free Society Differ from Today?

Sometimes dreams come true, so let’s explore some of the ways our lives would change if drugs and alcohol addictions were no longer a problem.  Could it all be wishful thinking?  How would your community or personal life be different?  

The following are some of the most noticeable changes we could expect if substance abuse didn’t exist:

• Safer, cleaner streets, especially in large cities.
• Dramatic reduction in crime rates.
• Decreased domestic violence and child abuse or neglect
• Fewer children in foster care or orphanages.
• Families wouldn’t fall apart because of addiction.
• Overcrowding in ERs would decrease.
• Fewer homeless or missing persons.
• Jails and prisons would no longer be overpopulated.
• No more fear of being the victim of drug-related crime.
• Law enforcement could spend more time on other needs.
• Funds used for drug-related issues would be available for other things.

Of course, these are only a fraction of the ways society would improve without substance abuse.  It’s worth striving for and doing our part to make it happen.

Facing the Harsh Reality of Addiction in the US

Some folks may wonder why we would waste time hoping for a society without drugs.  So, to put it in perspective for those individuals, here are some reasons why we need to worry about today’s drug problem.

• Our government spends about $740 billion on drug-related costs.  The costs include such things as lost productivity, healthcare, and crime.  The national healthcare bill spends about one-quarter of a trillion dollars on issues related to substance abuse.
• About 30% to 70% of homeless people are alcoholics and 26% abuse drugs.
• Most property crimes, thefts, and burglaries are drug-related.   
• More than 80% of prison inmates are doing time for crimes committed while high.  Many others committed crimes to get money to buy drugs.
• About 70% of neglected or abused children live with parents who abuse drugs or alcohol.

These statistics continue to increase daily.  The numbers are incomprehensible, especially when we realize that each number represents a life ruined or lost.  They are or were someone’s loved ones.  Most of these individuals didn’t think they’d become addicted.  Yet, they became another statistic in the worst drug epidemic in America’s history.  With these things in mind, how could we not worry about the scope of addiction today?

Here’s another way to look at the drug problem we face in our nation:

• 16 to 20 million abuse alcohol.
• 600,000 use crack cocaine.
• 15 million smoke marijuana.
• 750,000 abuse methamphetamine.
• 1 million use hallucinogens or ecstasy.
• 61 million smoke cigarettes.
• 494,000 or more abuse heroin.
• 15 million abuse prescription drugs.

These shocking numbers make it difficult to imagine that life in a drug-free society could ever be a reality.  The best we can do is not give up trying to make a difference.  In the meantime, helping people overcome addiction is a step in that direction.

Cycles of Change Recovery and Your Freedom from Addiction

The substance abuse crisis is an evolving and complex issue.  For instance, drug trends shift from year to year, depending on the availability and popularity of substances.  However, regardless of the drug involved, substance abuse compromises a person’s physical and mental health.  So, an effective treatment plan must include components that address these issues at the same time for lasting results.

At Cycles of Change Recovery, we recognize that each person responds to treatment in different ways.  Also, we know each person has their own reasons for substance use.  So, to help our clients achieve lasting recovery, our program will adapt to their unique needs. 

Help us do our part in bringing about life in a drug-free society.  We seek to conquer addiction in America, one person at a time.  If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, contact us today to learn more about our program.  You’ll discover that our approach to treatment focuses on you.  

We don’t just help you quit drugs or alcohol.  We also help you heal the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects involved.  You’ll exit our program armed with the confidence, determination, and skills to manage any challenges you encounter on your path to recovery.  

Sources:

• drugfree.org – New Data Show Millions of Americans with Alcohol and Drug Addiction Could Benefit from Health Care Reform
• drugabuse.gov – Trends and Statistics