The Social Costs of Cocaine
Once the cocaine is in the United States, its distribution and sale comprises another huge business. Typically, each major city is dominated by one or more criminal organization that controls cocaine selling throughout the city. In some cities, such as Los Angeles, pre-existing gangs have taken on much of the distribution and sale of cocaine. In the mid-1980s, highly organized Jamaican gangs became involved in crack dealing in Miami and New York. These so-called posses were known for their extraordinary violence and mobility; gang members moved to cities throughout the country, starting up new crack businesses. Today, it is estimated that approximately 40 of these posses exist, with a membership of 22,000, controlling one-third of the crack trade in America. Although leaders of these drug-dealing organizations can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the street-level dealers who work for them sometimes make barely enough money to survive and support their own drug addictions. A recent study by the Rand Corporation found that street dealers stood a 1-in-70 chance of getting killed, a 1-in-14 chance of severe injury, and a 2-in-9 chance of going to jail. Despite these odds, many inner-city youths are still attracted to drug-dealing and the prospect of rising through the ranks to make “crazy money”.
Drug dealing and drug use in the United States have brought with them a scourge of crime and violence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that there are more than one million arrests each year for drug abuse violations. Violent crime continues to rise each year for drug abuse violations. Violent crime continues to rise in the United States, with rates for 1990 up 10% from the year before; much of its crime is thought to be drug related. Ironically, as overall use of cocaine declines, street dealers fight over fewer customers, resulting in more drug-related shootings, stabbings, and assaults. Given the serious repercussions of cocaine use in this country, it is clear that curbing addiction to the drug will remain a major public health and policy challenge during the 1990s.
Treatment of Cocaine Addiction and Crack Cocaine Addiction
The professionals at The Causeway Retreat are specialized in the treatment of Addictions and Mental Health problems. If you are addicted to cocaine or crack cocaine, why not give a call to 0207 100 7260 and see the helps available to you.
