Severe drug addiction problem in US

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Drug Addiction Crisis happening in US

Recently, the number of deaths from drug overdoses has increased rapidly. In the past, drugs were considered the exclusive property of some upper-class addicts. It was because it was so expensive that it was difficult for the general public to imagine. However, in recent years, as new drugs, which are relatively inexpensive and more irritating, have spread to large cities, deaths have increased rapidly. In addition, there is an analysis that drug addiction has spread further, centering on the shade, as going out was restricted in the aftermath of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from 2020 to 2022.

How much is it serious?

Earlier this year, Kensington Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was stigmatized as a "zombie land" as many homeless people were taking to the streets under the influence of drugs. Many of them were staggering on the streets with their backs and limbs severely bent due to their brain damage caused by drugs. Fentanyl is the most problematic drug. Fentanyl is known to be the most major cause of death among young people and middle-aged people aged 18 to 45 in the United States. Last year, the number of fentanyl-related deaths reached a record 109,680.

What is the government doing as a countermeasure?

In the case of San Francisco, California, a task force consisting of the police department and the local prosecution and defense forces has recently been established to crack down on drug overdoses. The authority to collect and investigate evidence by treating "drug overdose" as a "murder case" while prosecuting vendors with murder charges.

What is the problem of government's countermeasure?

It seems to be a good idea to strengthen the size of crime related to drug. However, there are 2 problems with this alternative for drug addiction crisis. First, there are still states that remain drug as legal. The law must be amended to prevent greater addiction and subsequent sacrifices. Furthermore, buying drugs is too easy for addicts in America. As the cartoon implied, people can easily get fentanyl if they go to pharmacies, and free trade is taking place.

Referred to : bbc news, hankookilbo.com, New York Times