The War on Drugs is the attempt to prevent people from using substances considered harmful for consumption. The American government has been waging a war on drugs for several years. Since his declaration, the war on drugs has cost several billion dollars and many lives, but despite all the unpleasant consequences, it has achieved no results in stopping the flow of drugs into the United States. It is now clear that the war on drugs has failed in every objective. There have been no reductions in the drug trade, elimination of production or decrease in the number of users. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Governments have used billions of dollars and various resources to address the problem and have even created and expanded several prisons to address it, but the illegal drug trade continues and increases. Today more than ever, more drugs are available on a daily basis; they are sold at cheaper prices and are moved around the world by various means. Historically, the War on Drugs has been an institution of American politicians. It created a system of criminalization that ended up incarcerating millions of people who used recreational drugs in addition to tobacco or alcohol. What makes the war on drugs partly controversial is because of its ever-changing cultural reaction to a substance and not an actual drug threat. individual or social harm. People's opinions about drugs and alcohol are based on social construction and are subject to changes focused on several factors: mainly based on the intensity of media campaigns detailing the devastation of the community at the hands of drug addicts and dealers, as well as the political pressure at the same time and for everyone to win the war against drugs. Although the line between illegal and legal substances is arbitrary, the United States has spent many years trying to wage a war on drugs. The cost has been violence, crime, corruption, the devastation of social bonds, as well as the destruction of inner-city communities and the exponential development of numerous minorities and women who end up in prison. Despite various programs, financial savings, and alternative initiatives, there remains a strong economic incentive in the War on Drugs, including the profitable prison-industrial complex and asset forfeiture laws. There are several alternatives to the War on Drugs, such as decriminalization, regulated distribution, and harm reduction strategies, which include various drug treatment programs. Current drug policies disproportionately affect lower-class, minority individuals, discriminate against women, and do little to minimize drug use or encourage treatment for drug-dependent individuals and their families. Admitting the failure of the war on drugs is only the first step. Identifying the appropriateness of prolonged incarceration for nonviolent victimless crimes is not sufficient to give due consideration to the issue of drug prohibition. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay As a consequence, new ways to address the issue of illegal drugs should be considered; how they initially became illegal and why; what health and the various consequences they entail for users and communities; the impact of criminalisation; what alternative solutions are being considered around the world. A war on drugs based on fear, on.