Drug Abuse and Daily Lives

This number does not even include over the counter drugs, which are one of the most commonly abused drugs. With the number of drugs in the world, and the number of people abusing them, it is a serious problem which deserves some attention. Any person over the legal age can walk into a gas station or minute market and buy a beer and a pack of cigarettes.

Drug abuse is a serious problem in our world, and with the casual attitude our supposed role models take to it; who can blame people for not taking the matter seriously. People abusing drugs and promoting the use of drugs is seen every day whether it be on television, in music, or in close personal contact with friends and family.

The FCC or Federal Communications Commission is in charge of regulating what can and cannot be shown on television. However, they can only regulate certain channels and at certain times. Channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Stars, and Encore can show what they please, as long as it is past 10pm. However, even the most popular afternoon television shows can say what they please, as long as they are willing to pay the fines. Family Guy, the Simpsons, and the ever so popular super bowl are just a few of popular hit television shows who have been fined by the FCC. These are shows that broadcast at 5 and 6 in the afternoon.

It is outrageous that these well known and huge companies, such as FOX, and the WB can get away with these mannerisms as long as they pay the price. They know that no serious consequences will come of their actions; so they do as they please.

The music industry is no better than that of the television. The music industry has no regulations, except to slap a "Parental Advisory" sticker on music with explicit lyrics. The same "Parental Advisory" sticker, that no music store pays any attention to. If a music store sells a parental advisory labeled cd to a minor, they feel no repercussions. They can not be fined, or closed down; so why should they not make money off of the eager children waiting to buy the new Eminem album.

That same Eminem album that has lyrics such as "But you're young, you've got a lot of drugs to do," and "In third grade, all I used to do was sniff glue through a tube." These are lyrics from a song that any child, no matter the age can walk into a store and buy. Are these really things that we want children, teenagers, or even adults listening to?

Not only are children and adults presented with jokes and the mentioning of drugs on television and in music, but unfortunately are often around it at home too. According to the SAMHSA, in 2002 almost 5 million adults who were abusing or dependent on some type of drug, had at least one child under the age of 18 living at home with them. Many people live with or have family members that abuse, or are dependent on drugs. Whether it be tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.

Also children whose parents use, or are dependent on drugs, are more likely to use or become dependent themselves. I personally am addicted to cigarettes, and I believe that the biggest reason I began smoking is, because my mother did. If I had never been around cigarettes in my home, I believe that I would not have began smoking at all, or at least at not such an early age. Human beings act on their atmosphere, and it is inescapable. If you are surrounded by certain habits, you are more likely to do that action yourself. Even if it something as simple as biting your nails or as serious as using drugs.

Drug abuse is a touchy subject, and it often gets brushed under the rug for that very reason. All kinds of people abuse drugs, but that does not make it right. It is a matter which is taken to lightly by the government, by the FCC, and even by families. The shocking statistics should be a wake up call, not an excuse. Just because the people on television do it, just because famous music artists do it, and even if your family and friends do it, it does not make it okay.

If people do not begin taking this matter more seriously, instead of accepting it as a large scale problem, there is no telling what these same statistics might look like in years to come. Drug abuse has always been around, and the numbers are growing dramatically. Now is the time to take things seriously, and make some dramatic changes.