Advocacy Efforts in Relation to Drug Addiction (Essay Sample)

Advocacy Efforts in Relation to Drug Addiction Name Institutional Affiliation Advocacy Efforts in Relation to Drug Addiction Drug and substance abuse has endured different changes in both the social and political aspects over the last 10 years. For instance, drug addiction in the family and community was perceived as an issue indicating failure of families to educate their children. However, this is not the perception now because addiction is a reflection of the immoral approaches of a society that is facing a major social crisis. It is imperative to note that families have a powerful influence on shaping attitudes, values, and behavioral patterns of children in the society. The poverty and prolonged traumatic parental absence play a critical role in the current society leading to addiction, unlike 10 years ago when aspects such as negative influence were the core facilitator of drug addiction. In addition, the current drug and substance abuse is characterised by harsh discipline and poor communication by parents. Moreover, the political aspect has drastically changed in its perspective towards drug and substance addiction in the society over the last 10 years. For instance, there have been concerns that the western nations use drugs for non-medical reasons, although there is minimal recognition of their favourite beverages. It is essential to take into consideration the perception and approaches that were enacted ten years ago on drug addiction through the political space. For example, the use of drugs has shifted from the illegal perspective with many politicians and law enforcers denoting that some drugs are important for medication procedures. Some states in the United States and other nations have approached legalizing drugs such as marijuana that have led to addiction.  There are different advocacy efforts that have been enacted towards addressing the issue of drug and substance addiction. However, these advocacy efforts have influenced current attitudes and policies in different ways. First, the advocacy efforts include setting campaigns that are aimed at creating awareness in the societyabout drug addiction. National campaigns have had considerable influence on drug addiction because they present and educate the society on the causes and effects of addiction. Creating awareness is a core approach in regulating the ever-increasing levels of drug addiction in the society. Campaigns play a big role in ensuring the society is well-informed about various aspects on drug addiction. For instance, campaigns may venture into structured themes such as drug addiction among the youth. Through this framework, they are able to develop a structure and target their audiences effectively.  Advocacy efforts include implementing policies and laws that regulate drug use. For instance, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) schedules drugs according to their drug abuse potential. This implies that there are standards that should be observed before an individual venturing into taking a given drug. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stipulates that legalization and decriminalization of certain drugs that have high potential addiction rates should be discouraged such as marijuana. Personal possession of marijuana and heroin, including other drugs in the United State is a criminal act and would result to a lengthy jail term. Through these forms of advocacy, drug addiction has been greatly regulated with the demographic information depicting that areas with high poverty levels are most affected by addiction. For instance, "the Drug Policy 101 advocates for action: re-designing the criminal justice system to break the cycle of addiction, arrest, and incarceration" (Laudet & Humphreys, 2013, p. 130). This has positive influence on drug addiction because it will lead to awareness.  There are different stakeholders government, NGOs, community based campaigns, and different institutions within the community. For instance, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has the mandate of drug regulation and enacts a national drug control strategy that is aimed at addressing drug use in the society. In addition, the government plays a key role the development of policies on drug abuse and addiction in the country. "While drug addiction respects no geographic, ethnic, economic, or social boundaries, there are some specific populations that deserve focused efforts, including women and children" (White, 200, p. 61). In addition, non-governmental agencies have emerged as important institutions that have promoted the rehabilitation and creation of awareness among people within the society regarding addiction and the possible dangers it brings about. For instance, 3HO and 5th Pillar are some of these organizations that have globally approached enacting drug addiction interventions and solutions in affected regions. The community is also a major stakeholder when it comes to the advocacy process of drug addiction. Communities have different morals and values that show and give them their identity. Therefore, communities venture into programs that are for creating awareness and educating its people on drug addiction, especially the youth. Community based interventions are significant because they approach the issues in that society from itscause and works towards defining and finding a solution. For instance, the issue of drug addiction could betackled through approaching the major cause, which may be high rates of school dropout. Therefore, the community will set up strategies of handling school dropoutÂ...