Final answer:
Attitudes about the 'War on Drugs' have changed since it was first used by President Richard Nixon in 1971. Criticisms about its effectiveness, racial disparities in enforcement, and the impact on nonviolent drug offenders have led to a shift in public opinion towards alternative approaches and a focus on drug addiction as a public health issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Attitudes about the 'War on Drugs' have changed since President Richard Nixon first used that term in 1971. Initially, the 'War on Drugs' was met with support as a means to combat drug abuse and addiction. However, over time, criticisms emerged regarding its effectiveness, racial disparities in enforcement, and the impact on nonviolent drug offenders.
One reason for the change in attitudes is the recognition that the 'War on Drugs' has led to an increase in mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting minority communities. This has sparked discussions on the need for criminal justice reform and alternative approaches to addressing drug abuse.
Additionally, public opinion has shifted towards viewing drug addiction as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal matter. There is now a greater emphasis on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. The opioid crisis and the legalization of marijuana in several states have contributed to this shift in attitudes.
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