what YOU can do

In order to stop the use of drugs, there's something that we all can do. Educating others about the harmful effects of drugs is something that doesn't take much time, but can have great effects. You can also encourage your friends and family to not abuse drugs. For teens struggling with drug abuse, you can share or visit this site for help: http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/teen-drug-abuse.asp?gclid=CNuu5s-6_KgCFcKd7QodMXh3dg. Also, try to form a SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group at your or your child's school to help spread the word.

Externalities of Drug Abuse

People who typically abuse drugs cause negative effects on others or externalities. Such externalities include lower education, fewer people having jobs, violence, crime, organized crime, death, car accidents, murder child abuse, higher rate of HIV/AIDS, higher taxes, lessened resources. It is also very costly to the gov. In 2002, drug abuse cost the US about $181 billion. Since drug abusers generally can't hold jobs for long (due to stealing from the workplace, laziness, absences, lateness, lack of empathy or respect), people who abuse drugs are also more susceptible to poverty. Drug abusers usually don't have homes since they spend all their money to buy and sell drugs.