Question

How does cocaine affect society

Answer 1

Cocaine affects society through its impact on the criminal justice system, health consequences of addiction, and the effects of the cocaine trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cocaine affects society in multiple ways. First, it has a significant impact on the criminal justice system. The legal implications of possessing crack cocaine versus cocaine were starkly different, with crack cocaine associated with poorer urban communities and receiving harsher punishments. This sentencing disparity added to the cycle of poverty and reduced social mobility, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic individuals.

Second, cocaine addiction and use can have serious health consequences, including increased risk of death, trauma, infectious diseases, stroke, heart attack, lung injury, and sudden cardiac death. Illicitly-sold cocaine is often adulterated with other substances, which can lead to additional toxicity.

Finally, the cocaine trade has far-reaching effects on society, particularly in countries like Colombia where it is a multibillion-dollar industry. This includes violence on the streets and corruption of government officials.

Answer 2

Use of crack cocaine affects the user, family, and society. These effects can be seen through abuse, promiscuity, unplanned pregnancy, divorce, violence, accidents, and crime. Crack cocaine affects the financial stability of families and the nation. The federal government spends billions each year on drug control.