Su Drogas Es Mi Droga

     The 1920's was a dark time in American history. With the Prohibition of alcohol lifted, everyone started drinking heavily, leaving the United States in a drunken stupor. After this period however, we reverted back to our old ways. Enforcers cracked the whip that was the law one those who decided to drink in public. People were forced to make "bootleg" alcohol, or "Moonshine". The United States developed it's first true fear of drug use.
     Somewhere along the line, this has changed. The societal fear of drugs of any kind (cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, tobacco) has diminished significantly. The Music community praises those who indulge in smoking and drinking. This has rubbed of on the teenage / young adult demographic. High school students across the country have fallen into addiction with drugs.
     Businesses have flourished around drugs. Selling and buying narcotics is one of the most immediately gratifying commerce hubs to date. Commercial franchises have been built upon the Tobacco companies and the Beer sellers.
     So why is this all important? In the past century, the US has gone from fearing drugs to using them as a base. We stitch clothing with cannabis by-product. We make money off of commercializing drugs. We have come to develop a dependency on drugs. And not just the taboo, illegal ones. Even prescription medication has grown to be a threat in our society.   So much so that the most recent generation has come to be known as Generation Rx. Never before has America been so candid about drugs as a catalyst in social development. Never before has America been so hooked on drugs.
     Drugs are even apparent in our media. We often see the stories of washed-up celebrities making their way through rehab. Drugs are often the butt of comedy. The concept of being intoxicated is romanticized almost to the point where it is a delusion of grandeur. Because drugs are so publicized, they tempt people to try  them. The media may have a good intention by raising awareness about the prevalence of drugs in our community, but any publicity is good publicity.
     The fact of the matter is, we have become what we feared so long ago. No longer do we have to mix alcohol in our bathtubs; its given to us without much difficulty. The government has hopped right on board with the Tobacco companies, taxing those who purchase cigarettes. There is no more restraint on our use of drugs. Everyone uses drugs. Now you may think I'm a raving lunatic, but think about it. It's taxes off of cigarettes that pay for road work. It's drugs that cause more police men to be hired. It's drugs that cause our politicians to redirect federal-funding. Despite our strong adversity, we have become what we feared so long ago. We have become.... "hooked".