ALL drugs should be legalized and addiction should be treated as a health problem instead of a crime

Since their widespread popularity in the mid-1900s, recreational drugs have shown the world their worth. They have created a generation of people disconnected from reality, disrespectful of society, and counterproductive to our nation. Recreational drugs should not be legalized since they have shown to be hurtful to the individual, to the people surrounding the user, and to society. Marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is often thought to have no lasting effects on the human body. But according to the National Institute on Drug abuse, marijuana has been proven to hurt the cardiopulmonary system, and contributes to lasting brain damage in many abusers. [1] Marijuana is not the exception, either. Mind altering drugs as a whole have strong tendencies to leave a lasting negative effect in the human brain. My opponent seems to brag that recreational drugs would be cheaper if they were state regulated. I cannot pretend to understand his argument, because he seems to brag that harmful substances would be more readily available for consumption by the public. A government's job is to protect it's people, even from harmful substances. In addition to harming the user, illegal drug consumption hurts those around the user. Those near abusers of crack, marijuana, and other drugs ingested by smoke experience second-hand smoke. Much like tobacco smoke, the smoke from these drugs has negative effect on the person who inhales the fumes. Drivers on mind altering drugs such as LSD, Psilocybin, heroine, and cocaine pose a major threat to others driving. Studies have shown that these drivers are as bad or worse than drunk drivers. It is not fair to the general public to be susceptible to these risks because of someone else's poor choices. Beyond affecting those immediately surrounding the user, legalized recreational drug abuse would affect society as a whole. Cleaning up for drug abuse costs the US over $100 billion every year. [2] Drug abusive generations, starting in the sixties and continuing on to today has made for an irresponsible group of voters, members of the community, and neighbors. Not only do they not help society along, drug abusers downright oppose growth as a civilization. Nearly ten percent of America abuses drugs. [3] Just imagine if those millions of people were actually helpful members of society. My opponent thinks that a better solution to this problem is to declare addiction a medical problem, not a crime. This will not work as thought. A nation that legalizes drugs will have glorified drugs. It will be considered socially acceptable for people to do drugs for recreational purposes. Children will be bombarded with advertising campaigns that show how great cocaine can make you feel. Posters will show how happy people on heroine are. So no, I cannot consider drug legalization to be a suitable form of drug control. I suggest enforcing laws against drugs, advertising against drugs, and increasing awareness about the negative effects of drugs. Sources: [1] http://www.drugabuse.gov... [2] http://www.justice.gov... [3] http://www.drugabuse.gov...