Sociology Imagination- Drug Crisis in America
According to statistics, since 2000, over one million people have died from drug overdoses, mainly from fentanyl and other opioids. That means that every week in America, over 1500 lives are lost to opioid overdose (Klobucista & Ferragamo, 2023). A perfect picture of just how much of a problem is painted in several YouTube channels that have documented the streets of Philadelphia. The videos showcase thousands of homeless people lined up along the streets with belongings, and most of them are commonly referred to as zombies because they are so high that their body movements are severely distorted. According to a report by the U.S. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), the population of Americans between the ages of 12 and older is approximately 280 million; among them, 31.9 million are illegal drug users, but when alcohol and tobacco are included, the number shoots up to 165 million people (Jaja, 2023). These statistics give a clear picture of how extreme the drug problem in America is.
The perception of the drug crisis in America as primarily an individual personal problem stems from various factors, including societal attitudes, the stigma surrounding addiction, and a lack of understanding about the complex nature of substance use disorders. There is a prevailing narrative in American society, which is derived from its individualist culture, that individuals are solely responsible for their actions and choices, including decisions related to drug use (Greene, 2008). This narrative often overlooks the broader societal factors that contribute to substance abuse, such as poverty, economic distress, trauma, mental health issues, and lack of access to healthcare and social services. Subsequently, addiction is still stigmatized in many communities, and individuals struggling with substance use disorders are often blamed for their condition. This stigma can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, discouraging people from seeking help and perpetuating the idea that addiction is a personal failing rather than a medical condition.
Sociological imagination prompts us to examine cultural norms and values that shape attitudes toward drug use and addiction. For instance, the normalization of prescription drug use for pain management in American culture, combined with aggressive pharmaceutical marketing, has contributed to the overprescribing of opioid painkillers and the subsequent addiction epidemic (Arteaga & Barone, 2021). Another perspective of the drug crisis using sociological imagination is examining how the ever-rising cost of living has led to an increase in the use of drugs. Over the last fifty years, the cost of living has continued to increase at a fast rate, and wages barely seem to budge. In addition, the global pandemic resulted in millions of loss of jobs, leaving people with no way to earn a livelihood and afford basic needs like housing. Consequently, many people ended up on the streets homeless. Homelessness, in turn, increases vulnerability to drug abuse as individuals facing housing insecurity may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism or may become exposed to drugs in unstable living situations such as shelters or on the streets.
The drug crisis in America has significant impacts on those who work in the field of sociology, especially social workers who are often on the front lines dealing with the consequences of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities. One example of this impact is increased caseloads. A rise in people and families affected by substance abuse means higher caseloads for social workers. This can lead to increased stress and burnout among social workers as they try to meet the needs of their clients. Secondly, drug abuse is a significant factor in child welfare cases, with many children entering the foster care system due to parental substance abuse. Social workers in child welfare agencies must work to ensure the safety and well-being of these children, often in challenging and emotionally demanding circumstances.
References
Arteaga, C., & Barone, V. (2021). The opioid epidemic: causes and consequences. Working Paper.
Klobucista C.and Ferragamo M. (2023). Fentanyl and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic. COUNCIL ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Accessed from: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/fentanyl-and-us-opioid-epidemic
Jaja, P. (2023). Drug Problem: A global pandemic from US to Zim. The Herald. Accessed from: https://www.herald.co.zw/drug-problem-a-global-pandemic-from-us-to-zim/
Greene, T. W. (2008). Three ideologies of individualism: Toward assimilating a theory of individualism and their consequences. Critical Sociology, 34(1), 117-137.
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Question 
For this assessment, write a 2–3 page essay in which you utilize the sociological imagination to better understand the personal experiences of those around you and how they are connected to larger societal ideas and values. Address the following:
Sociology Imagination- Drug Crisis in America
Describe a current issue or social problem.
You may use an issue or problem in the field you are currently working in or from your field of study. For example, if your field is health care, then you could look at the low levels of health insurance by some populations in the United States.
Explain how the issue or social problem is oftentimes considered to be an individual personal problem.
Explain how sociological imagination could be used to better understand and explain the issue or social problem.
How is this issue or social problem connected to larger societal issues?
Be sure to discuss the connection to the larger societal causes.
Explain the impact this issue or social problem has on the field and those who work in that field.
Discuss how using your sociological imagination could help you better collaborate with others in your field and work to challenge stereotypes about different groups.
Be sure to write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Your Word document submission should meet the following requirements: