Reinarman’s Article on Drug Scares

Reinarman’s Article on Drug Scares
The adverse effects of illegal drug use have been a problem for several countries, particularly the United States. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveals that, in 2020, there are 7.3 million Americans, or 13.6% of "current users" of illicit drugs. The most commonly used drug is "Marijuana," which is nearly used by half of all users. The figure is concerning; thus, several efforts have been made by the government and non-governmental organizations to discourage these people from using illegal drugs. Several scare tactics have been employed to warn users.
Although several efforts have been made to combat and stop illegal drug use, there are still people who use it, and some want to legalize it. It means that some scare tactics may be inefficient, and the people no longer believe them. The film Reefer Madness shows how high school students have been involved in drugs and how it affected their lives. Some people helped them obtain medications, and when they consume them, they commit destructive acts such as kidnapping, rape, attempted murder, hit and run, and many other things. The school has resolved the problem and has alarmed the parents by informing them that the next victim could be their child, so they must be cautious and protect their child (Gasnier, 1936). This film depicts the existence of a drug scare. According to Reinarman (2016), drug scares existed a hundred years ago. Opium, weeds, and other illegal drugs are in high demand, and the U.S. government has made several laws regarding the drug scares. However, he sees these incidents as people’s attempts to justify their actions. People use drugs to justify destructive behavior or even criminal behavior. In addition, he believes that scare tactics are ineffective and will not deter people from trying drugs. That is why there are still many people who advocate using illicit drugs legally. Some people believe that drugs are not the main reason for an individual’s evil actions. Therefore, some people must legalize illegal drugs despite their scares and warnings.
Illicit drug use has been widespread. The government may have interfered with the spread of drugs, but their efforts are insufficient. The government’s method of warning the public is ineffective, which is why some people still want them legalized.
Part 2: Link it up
Mburu, G., Ayon, S., Tsai, A. C., Ndimbii, J., Wang, B., Strathdee, S., & Seeley, J. (2018). “Who has ever loved a drug addict? It’sa lie. They think a ‘teja’is as bad person”: multiple stigmas faced by women who inject drugs in coastal Kenya. Harm reduction journal, 15(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-018-0235-9
The article discusses the stigma women who use drugs face and how they cannot access healthcare services. Stereotypes and biases are constantly applied to these women. People have the impression that drug users are bad people who do not deserve respect and should not be given equal opportunities. Drug users are perceived as people who will fail at everything. Aside from drug use, these women face stereotypes and biases because of their gender. Women are not valued in society and are not given ...