Pubdate: Thu, 15 Nov 2007 Source: Asheville Citizen-Times (NC) Copyright: 2007 Asheville Citizen-Times Contact: http://www.citizen-times.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/863 Author: Zachary Early DRUG USE HAS A RIPPLING EFFECT ON ECONOMY, SOCIETY There is a constant battle on our hands; dealing with the drug trade has been a problem this nation has been dealing with since the 1970s. It has invaded our streets, bringing with it crime, addiction, broken homes and broken hearts. The underground market for these products, such as, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, etc. is ever growing, and must be stopped. This problem is causing a breakdown in the economics of our society causing a domino effect, all the starting with a purchase. Most druggies do not act on their own, and the repercussions of their actions feed into our streets and our families. The purchase, distribution and acts of crime and violence, are what break down our economy. It often leads to financial troubles, and addiction, these all caused by the purchase of these drugs. I do not care if the drugs are being used for the first time, for recreation, or because the user has already developed an addiction, we as a society need to make it more known the harm that these drugs cause, causing problems at home, in families, friends and personal lives. Zachary Early - --- MAP posted-by: Derek