Psy 425 - Past and Current Trends in Drugs

Past and Current Trends in Drugs

Tammy Edwards

PSY/425

September 25, 2013

Morgan Smith

Past and Current Trends in Drugs

Trends in drugs are extremely common in many cultures and countries. This is also true for society in the United States. The misuse of drugs dates back for many, many years, and has been popular in the American society since the 1700s. Drugs were intended for medical and therapeutic use and the idea that drugs were addictive was not yet known. The drug trends have progressed through the years and made a huge impact on the American society (Carroll, 2000).

It was not uncommon for the military to allow the use of drugs such as morphine during war time. Soldiers were given this drug for pain and comfort when injured during combat. It is also a fact that cocaine was an ingredient in Coca-cola in the early 1900s. The founder of this company, John Pemberton was not aware that cocaine was harmful and was finally stopped when the Pure Food and Drug Act was put in to effect.

Drugs have been prescribed by doctors for many years for treatment of medical issues. As long as drugs have been around, people have been misusing them as well. In the 1960s and 1970's drugs were extremely popular in society (Carroll, 2000). It was during this time that many people promoted drug use and indulged regularly. It was later found that intravenous drug use was the cause of the spread of diseases because drug users shared dirty needles. Being promiscuous during drug use was and is common for drug users as well, also causing the spread of venereal diseases.

Alcohol is another very popular drug not always thought to be considered a drug. Alcohol use is very common and is more accepted because it is socially acceptable. Alcohol has been around more many years as well, even referred to on many occasions in the Holy Bible. Drinking alcohol is a tradition in many cultures and is used in certain rituals as well. There are many commercials on television and the Internet that promote alcohol use. Drug and alcohol abuse is proven to cause many health problems in individuals.

Other drugs that have become more and more popular are prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These types of drugs are easily accessed