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The Industry's new vapes that have caused a youth vaping epidemic—they have all the same environmental problems as cigarette butts—plastic pollution and toxic chemicals leaking into the environment. Plus, because they're electronic devices, they leave behind electronic waste, which is notoriously difficult and costly to dispose of.

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Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is another name for the generic drug sodium oxybate

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Club drugs GHB in the 2020s

Street names include : Easy Lay, G, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, and Scoop

available via prescription

Classified by DEA as a schedule III substance

Xyrem is a FDA approved prescription medication. For treatment of daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness with narcolepsy

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Marcia Smith

The English word 'tobacco' originates from the Spanish word tobaco. The precise origin of this word is disputed, but it is generally thought to have derived, at least in part, from Taino, the Arawakan language of the Caribbean. In Taino, it was said to mean either a roll of tobacco leaves or to tabago, a kind of L-shaped pipe used for sniffing tobacco smoke. (According to Oviedo, with the leaves themselves being referred to as cohiba).

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Club drugs: meth and subculture

Study is released in the journal Substance, Use, Misuse

15.3% of young adults in the New York City club scene reported lifetime methamphetamine use

The Club Drugs and Health Project was a study of health issues among young adults ( 18–29 years old) involved in New York City dance club scenes.

The majority of the participants were White (61.8%), 47.8% had a Bachelors Degree or above. 41% were currently enrolled in college

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Fighting back: Innovations in keeping people safe from "date rape drugs"

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Club drugs: GHB and social significance

Students at North Carolina State University developed Undercover Colors, a nail polish that can detect the presence of Gama Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), as well as Rohypnol, Xanax . All known as “date rape drugs"

At the time, there was a victim of rape in Utah every 9.5 hours, according to the Utah Department of Health.

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2008 AMC introduces a new crime-drama "Breaking Bad", and it is more accurate than some may think

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Club drugs: meth and media

"In 2002/2003, the Sinaloa cartel saw that meth was the next big thing, and started to be active in creating these super labs and making the meth in Mexico," says Sylvia Longmire, a retired Air Force captain, and consultant on Mexican drug war issues

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Tobacco was long used by various indigenous groups that lived in the Americas. The Columbian exchange introduced tobacco to the Europeans, and it became an addictive, lucrative and heavily traded commodity. Following the Industrial Revolution, cigarettes became hugely popular worldwide. In the mid-20th century, medical research demonstrated severe negative health effects of tobacco smoking such as lung cancer, which led to governments adopting policies to force a sharp decline in tobacco use.

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Social Significance 1900 image of tobacco

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P2P meth is more potent and more deadly that the meth made prior to 2006 

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Club drugs : meth and DEA findings

DEA finds that P2P meth makes up 96% of seized drug samples

P2P meth has up to 93% purity

In 2008 it was an average of 39% purity

P2P meth is dangerously potent, even in small amounts.

Law enforcement agencies and the United States DEA note higher overdose death rates with super meth than ephedrine-derived meth.

This new form of methamphetamine is considerably more addictive, providing more intense highs

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The legalization and increasing acceptance of marijuana use in many societies .

Positive Implications:

Reduced Crime: Legalization can lead to a decrease in arrests .

Tax Revenue: Governments can generate significant tax revenue from the sale of marijuana, which can be used to fund public services and programs.

Medical Benefits: Marijuana has been shown to have potential medical benefits for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea.

Negative Implications:

Public Health Concerns: Long-term marijuana use may have negative health effects, such as respiratory problems and cognitive impairment.

Environmental Impact: The cultivation and processing of marijuana can have negative environmental impacts, including water usage, pesticide use, and deforestation.

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Club drugs: meth

P2P meth : The Rise of Super Meth

Due to the restrictions placed by the Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005, meth cartels find new ways to manufacture meth

Replacing ephedrine, meth is now produced with chemicals like:

Acetone

Cyanide

Lye

Mercury

Sulfuric acid

Nitrostyerence

Racing fuel

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By the late 18th century, early editions of American medical journals showed recommendations of hemp seeds and roots for the treatment of inflamed skin, incontinence and venereal disease. Irish doctor William O'Shaughnessy first popularized marijuana's medical use in England and America.

As a physician with the

British East India Company, he found marijuana eased the pain of rheumatism and was

helpful against discomfort and nausea in cases of rabies, cholera and tetanus.

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the Act allows for the sale of pseudoephedrine only from locked cabinets or behind the counter

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The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005

Bans over-the-counter sales of cold medicines that contain ingredients commonly used to make methamphetamine, such as pseudoephedrine.

This is why you must show your ID when purchasing cold medication containing pseudoephedrine

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UK Committee on Safety of Medicines 1988 advice to all doctors advising them to prescribe benzodiazepines for no longer that 2-4 weeks only

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Scientific evidence is first gathered in the 1980s, showing that benzo addiction and withdrawal is more complex than realized

Recreational use is being acknowledged, with common street names of "Benzos" and "Downers"

Young adults tend to abuse benzos by mixing its use with alcohol, cocaine, or heroin - in an attempt to enhance euphoria

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the social significance of alcohol began to shift, as public awareness grew about the risks of alcohol dependence, liver disease, and the dangers of binge drinking.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was established and quickly gained popularity.

The 1990s also saw the rise of "designer" drinks and a greater variety of choices in alcohol, reflecting the growing consumer market for different types of beverages.

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By the 1980s, alcohol consumption became increasingly framed within public health discourse, particularly regarding its potential for abuse.

alcohol continued to be a key feature of social life, particularly in the context of nightlife, with the rise of clubs, bars, and disco culture. However, drinking also became a point of contention, with growing concerns about alcohol-related violence, including domestic abuse and drunk driving

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1960's-1970's

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1960's-1970's

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Hippie movement and alternative lifestyle

Alcohol's role in social life intersected with the counterculture movement. The rise of alternative lifestyles, anti-establishment attitudes, and a more permissive attitude toward drugs and alcohol marked this period. While alcohol remained popular, there was also growing experimentation with other substances, such as marijuana and psychedelics.

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1940's-1950's

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1940's-1950's

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After WWII alcohol consumption was tied to the American Dream and the growing middle class.

alcohol consumption became more normalized in suburban family life, where drinks were often part of dinner parties, social gatherings, and after-work rituals.

Television also played a part in advertising alcohol as modern living.

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Benzodiazepines replace Barbiturates as it is believed to be a safer alternative 

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Benzos are the new barbiturates

In the 1970s most medical practitioners began replacing prescriptions of barbiturates with prescriptions for benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine shows a lower risk of addiction and accidental overdose

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Controlled Substances are substances regulated by the government due to threat of addiction or mis-use 

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Barbiturates and Federal Law

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified most barbiturates as controlled substances.

Barbital , methylphenobarbital, and phonebarbital are all schedule IV drugs

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1920-1930

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Social Significance of Alcohol 1920-1930

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1920's

Rise of the speakeasies during the Roaring 20's. Speakeasies flourished during Prohibition, creating an underground drinking culture. Alcohol became associated with the excitement and liberation of urban life, and the consumption of alcohol was central to the emerging "flapper" culture, especially among women

1930's

The great depression is when alcohol regained its place in social life, including in the form of new cocktails that became iconic during the 1930s, such as the Martini and the Old Fashioned. Drinking was associated with middle-class leisure, class distinction, and sophistication.

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2000s: Prescription opioid abuse escalates. Public perception shifts to viewing opioid addiction as a medical issue rather than purely criminal.

2010s: Fentanyl emerges as a major public health threat. Synthetic opioids become leading cause of overdose deaths.

2020-Present: Increased focus on harm reduction and treatment. Growing recognition of opioid addiction as a complex public health issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

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1914: Harrison Narcotics Tax Act passed in the US, restricting opiate use. Marks the beginning of stricter drug control policies.

1920's-1930's: Heroin becomes increasingly stigmatized. Associated with crime and moral decay in urban areas.

1950s-1960s: Heroin use rises among counterculture movements. Becomes symbol of rebellion and artistic inspiration.

1970s: "War on Drugs" declared. Heroin use heavily criminalized and associated with social deviance.

1980s-1990s: HIV/AIDS epidemic linked to intravenous drug use. Increases stigma around heroin addiction.

1995: OxyContin introduced, leading to overprescription of opioids. Marks the beginning of the modern opioid crisis.

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1500's-1800's: Opium trade expands globally. Use spreads across cultures, often viewed as a medicinal panacea.

1805: Morphine isolated from opium. Initially hailed as a medical breakthrough for pain management.

1874: Heroin first synthesized. Originally viewed as a potential non-addictive substitute for morphine.

1898: Bayer Company introduces heroin as a cough suppressant. Widely marketed as safe and effective.

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Cultural Significance: New Research Provides First Peek at Ancient Mesopotamian Drug Use

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First known cultivation of opium poppies in Mesopotamia. Opium use begins in ancient civilizations for medicinal and religious purposes.

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Rohypnol introduced.
Hoffman-La Roche introduces flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) as a potent hypnotic and sedative. While medically used for severe insomnia, it gains notoriety as a "date rape drug" due to its amnesiac effects. This leads to stricter controls and reformulation to make it less easily abused.

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Ketamine-derived medication approved for depression. The FDA approves a ketamine-derived nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, signaling a potential shift in the medical use of psychedelic-related compounds.

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Ongoing research and policy debates.
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics continues, with some jurisdictions considering decriminalization or medical use. Debates persist about balancing potential benefits with concerns about abuse and safety.

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Renewed interest in psychedelic research.
Scientists begin revisiting the potential therapeutic uses of LSD, MDMA, and ketamine for conditions like PTSD and depression. This marks a shift in scientific and public perception.

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Rohypnol banned in the U.S.
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is banned in the U.S. due to concerns about its use as a "date rape" drug. Media coverage heightens public awareness of its dangers. The Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act was passed, imposing harsher penalties for distribution of Rohypnol, especially when used to facilitate sexual assault.

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Rave culture and club drugs.
MDMA, ketamine, and other "club drugs" become associated with rave culture. Media representations often sensationalize their use, contributing to moral panic.

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MDMA emergency scheduled.
The DEA places MDMA on Schedule I, citing concerns about its abuse potential. This decision is controversial, with some researchers arguing for its therapeutic potential.

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Alexander Shulgin synthesizes and tests MDMA, noting its empathogenic properties. Though first synthesized in 1912, MDMA gains popularity in psychotherapy circles before becoming a popular recreational drug. Its spread in the 1980s rave culture leads to increased scrutiny and eventual criminalization.

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Controlled Substances Act passed.
The U.S. government classifies LSD and ketamine as Schedule III substances, restricting their use and research. This marks a shift towards more punitive drug policies.

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Ketamine synthesized.

Calvin Stevens at Parke-Davis synthesizes ketamine as a potential anesthetic. Initially used in veterinary medicine, ketamine later finds applications in human anesthesia and, controversially, as a recreational drug. Its dissociative effects make it popular in club scenes and lead to concerns about its abuse potential.

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LSD becomes popular in counterculture.
LSD use spreads among the counterculture movement, associated with the hippie subculture and psychedelic music. This leads to increased media attention and growing concern from authorities

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LSD research expands.
LSD research flourishes, with scientists exploring its potential for treating mental illness and addiction. The CIA also begins experimenting with LSD in its MK-ULTRA program.

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LSD's psychoactive effects discovered.
Hofmann accidentally ingests LSD and experiences its powerful hallucinogenic effects. This marks the beginning of scientific interest in LSD's potential therapeutic and psychological applications.

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LSD first synthesized by Albert Hofmann.
Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann synthesizes lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) while researching ergot alkaloids. The psychoactive properties of LSD are not yet known.

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Della Aragon at a Partners Against Meth meeting at the Wind River Indian Reservation, Wyoming

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Club Drugs: Meth and Race

Study released in the journal JAMA Psychiatry in 2021

The study was conducted between 2015 to 2019. It showed the number of deaths linked to methamphetamine use increased by 180%

Researchers found that Native Americans and Alaska Natives have the highest rate of meth use. A trend that has not decreased over previous years

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Benzodiazepines are more often prescribed to White patients for Anxiety disorder

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Benzos and racial disparities

A study released in 2022 conducted between 2009-2018 found that Benzos were prescribed at a higher rate to White people diagnosed with anxiety

Black patients, Hispanic patients, Asian patients and those who identify as "other" who were diagnosed with anxiety were 36% less likely to be prescribed benzodiazepine

This health disparity is being further studied, but follows suit with widely studied and reported disparities of Black, Hispanic and non-White patients having their concerns dismissed by healthcare providers

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GHB is easily added to beverages by assailant's due to the lack of odor, taste, and the fact it is available as a liquid or quickly dissolving powder

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GHB: Legislation and law

1996 Hillory J Farias dies of GHB poisoning after GHB is slipped into her soda

1999 Samantha Reid dies of GHB poisoning after GHB is slipped into her soda

Their deaths are used as an example during legislation for the "Hillory J Farias and Samantha Reid Date Rape Drug Prohibition Act of 2000"

This legislation makes GHB a Schedule 1 controlled substance

In the 1990s GHB became known in the media as a date-rape drug

When consumed, someone feels sleepy and may become unconscious, it can lead to death

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γ-Hydroxybutyric acid can be given orally or intravenously 

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GHB: Innovation and history

γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) Henri Laborit , a French neurobiologist, begins research on y-Hydroxybutyric Acid, and its use on humans

y-Hydroxybutyric acid is a naturally occuring neurotransmitter and depressant

It is studied and sold in Europe in 1964 as an anesthetic

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The rise of low- and no-alcohol options has continued, driven by a generational shift toward mindful drinking, with younger consumers increasingly avoiding heavy drinking in favor of healthier lifestyles.

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The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in home drinking, and the alcohol industry adapted with online sales, direct-to-consumer shipping, and virtual happy hours

There was an increased focus on sustainable and eco-friendly production practices in the alcohol industry, including eco-conscious packaging and sustainable farming practices for ingredients like grapes and barley.

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Hard seltzers such as White claw and Trulys gained popularity, especially among younger consumers, changing the alcoholic beverage landscape.

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The craft beer movement exploded, with thousands of new breweries opening in the United States and around the world. This led to increased variety and quality in beer options.

The craft spirits market, including craft whiskey and small-batch gin, grew rapidly, with more distilleries entering the market.

Non-alcoholic beverages like alcohol-free beer and mocktails became more popular, reflecting a shift towards moderation and health-conscious drinking.

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Alcohol-related social media campaigns gained traction, with companies promoting products through digital platforms and targeting a younger demographic.

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Increased awareness of health concerns related to alcohol, such as liver disease, led to more discussions around moderate drinking.

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The U.S. experienced a dramatic rise in wine consumption, thanks to the growing influence of the California wine industry and global trends towards "wine appreciation.

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The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) was created to oversee the regulation of alcohol distribution, ensuring consistency and quality.

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The popularity of wine coolers and alcopops surged, particularly among young drinkers.

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The minimum drinking age was raised to 21 in all U.S. states, which became a federal requirement under the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.

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Smirnoff Ice is a flavored malt beverage that was launched and contributed to the increasing popularity of mixed drinks and ready-to-drink cocktails.

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The craft beer movement began to gain traction as consumers sought alternatives to mass-produced beer. Small, independent breweries started popping up across the United States, emphasizing quality, flavor, and innovation.

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Although laws began to pass attempting to control barbituate sales, they are not effective

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Barbiturates and Law

California passes one of the first laws regulating the sale of barbiturates.

Unfortunately it is fairly ineffective, and the production of barbituates actually continues to increase.

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The use of alcohol in college and youth culture continued to grow, often associated with socialization and rebellion.

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The first breweries began to experiment with craft beer styles, setting the foundation for the craft beer movement of the 1980s.

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Alcohol use became more widely depicted in films, television, and music, often associated with youth rebellion and counterculture.

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Growth of Liquor and Cocktail Culture

Post-WWII, there was a rise in the popularity of cocktail culture, with cocktails becoming trendy in social settings. Whiskey, gin, and rum-based drinks were particularly popular during this time.

The rise of the tiki bar and exotic cocktails, such as the Mai Tai and Zombie, became popular as part of a larger cultural trend towards escapism and leisure.

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2020s

Continued Legalization: More states legalize both medical and recreational marijuana.

Social Acceptance Grows: Public opinion continues to shift in favor of cannabis legalization.

Research and Innovation: Increased research into cannabis's medical benefits and potential therapeutic uses.

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2010s

Recreational Marijuana Legalization: Colorado and Washington become the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.

Industry Growth: The cannabis industry emerges, creating jobs and generating tax revenue.

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1930s

Marijuana Tax Act: This U.S. federal law effectively criminalizes cannabis, driven by racial prejudice and misinformation.

Reefer Madness: A propaganda film fuels public fear and hysteria about marijuana.

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Social significance of Marijuana -2800 B.C.

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Social significance of Marijuana -2800 B.C.

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Ancient Times (Before 2800 BC)

Medicinal and Spiritual Use: Early civilizations in China, India, and the Middle East recognized cannabis's medicinal properties and used it in religious rituals.

2800 BC

Pharmacopoeia: Emperor Shen Nung, the Father of Chinese Medicine, includes cannabis in his pharmacopoeia.

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2000s-2020s

Legalization Wave: A wave of legalization swept across the United States and other countries, with many states and countries legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use.

Mainstream Acceptance: Cannabis has become increasingly mainstream, with a growing number of businesses, celebrities, and politicians supporting its legalization and use.

Diverse Applications: Cannabis is being explored for a wide range of applications, including pain management, anxiety relief, and treatment of various medical conditions.

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1980s-1990s

Medical Marijuana Movement: The medical marijuana movement gained momentum, with advocates pushing for the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Cultural Acceptance: Despite legal restrictions, cannabis culture continued to thrive, with a growing number of people using it for recreational and medicinal purposes.

1990s

Decriminalization Movement: Efforts to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis gain momentum.

Medical Marijuana Expansion: More states legalize medical marijuana, leading to increased public acceptance.

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1960s-1970s

Counterculture Movement: Cannabis became a symbol of the counterculture movement, associated with peace, love, and rebellion against societal norms.

War on Drugs: The U.S. government launched the War on Drugs, leading to increased criminalization and harsh penalties for cannabis possession and use.

Medical Marijuana Laws: Some states begin to legalize cannabis for medical use.

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Early 1900s

Immigrant Influence: Mexican immigrants brought cannabis to the United States, popularizing its recreational use.

Racial Bias and Prohibition: Negative stereotypes and racist propaganda associated cannabis use with Mexican immigrants and other marginalized groups, leading to its criminalization in many states.

1900s

Medical Use in the West: Cannabis is widely used in Western medicine for various ailments.

Recreational Use Emerges: The plant's psychoactive properties become more widely known and used for recreational purposes.

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1600s-1800s

Industrial Hemp: Cannabis, primarily in the form of hemp, was widely cultivated for its fiber, used to make rope, textiles, and paper. It was a crucial crop in many countries, including the United States.

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Social Significance of Marijuana 0-1000 A.D.

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Social Significance of Marijuana 0-1000 A.D.

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Ancient Times (Before 1000 AD)

Medicinal and Spiritual Use: Cannabis has been used for its medicinal and spiritual properties in various ancient civilizations, including China, India, and Egypt. It was often used to treat a variety of ailments and as a sacrament in religious rituals.

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Club Drugs / Raves / GHB

Club Drugs/GHB /Media and Culture

Club drugs range from MDMA(ecstasy) to stimulants (meth and cocaine) to sedatives (GHB, Rohypnol)

GHB and other Club Drugs are associated with EDM (electronic dance music) parties, raves, and dance clubs

Unlike other drugs, such as opiates or benzos, (established according to pharmaceutical or chemical properties) - Club drugs are a "category of convenience"

These drugs done due to the locations they are consumed

Club drugs are generally used by adolescents and young adults

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Magazine ad for methamphetamine, proposed as a safe solution for depression

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Club Drugs: Meth and popular use

1950s : meth is legal and taken by many Americans as a diet drug and stimulant.

Truck drivers, college students and many others take meth to stay awake for long hours

Its addictive nature was recognized until the 1970s

By then, over a million people were using meth.

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Club Drugs: Meth. Innovation and history

1919: Akira Ogata discovered a way to break ephedrine down into a crystal-like form.

This becomes the first known formula for crystal meth

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Club Drugs: Methamphetamine . Innovation and history

In 1885, a Japanese pharmacist, Nagai Nagayoshi discovered that ephedra, a plant used to treat breathing conditions, also contained ephedrine, a chemical stimulant.

8 years later, he synthesized methamphetamine from this plant.

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Growth of the Alcohol Industry Post-Prohibition

The Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) was established by the U.S. government to regulate alcohol production, distribution, and sales, ensuring compliance with laws.

The introduction of light beer began, with brewers like Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing Company leading the charge.

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Cullen-Harris Act

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, which amended the Volstead Act to allow the production of some beer and

State alcohol control boards

These boards adopted strong regulations that continue to influence American drinking habits

AA was created

Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The alcohol problem had shifted from being a moral issue during the century to a social, cultural, and political one during the campaign for Prohibition, and finally, to a therapeutic one involving individuals.

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Crack's Devastating Rise: The cheap and potent crack cocaine ravaged inner cities, fueling violence and addiction.

War on Drugs Intensifies: Harsher penalties and policing disproportionately impacted Black communities.

Media Frenzy: Media coverage fueled fear and prejudice around crack use.

"Just Say No": Government campaigns attempted to curb drug use through moral messaging.

Cocaine Bear - 1985

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Counter-Culture Cachet: Cocaine becomes associated with wealth, glamour, and the "high life" of the era.

Fueling the Party: Cocaine's stimulant effects align with the era's social scene and fast-paced lifestyle.

Mainstreaming: Cocaine use expands beyond marginalized groups, penetrating mainstream society and artistic circles.

Overshadowed Dangers: Despite growing use, the serious health and social consequences of cocaine remain largely ignored.

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Post-War Decline: Cocaine use decreased, likely due to wartime restrictions and shifting social priorities.

"Hidden" Drug: Cocaine fades from the public eye, its use confined to smaller, marginalized groups.

Limited Availability: Wartime disruptions and ongoing prohibition limit cocaine's supply and accessibility.

Precursor to the "Swinging Sixties": Cocaine remained relatively dormant in mainstream society, setting the stage for its resurgence in the counter-culture era.

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Criminalized: Cocaine is officially outlawed, driving it underground.

"Reefer Madness" Era: Propaganda and fear-mongering further demonize cocaine.

Jazz Age Indulgence: Despite prohibition, cocaine remains popular in some circles, particularly among musicians and the wealthy.

Hidden Epidemic: Addiction and social problems related to cocaine persist, but are largely hidden from public view.

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Demonization: Cocaine became a scapegoat, linked to crime and racial stereotypes.

Going Underground: Cocaine use became increasingly hidden and illicit.

Social Stigma: Cocaine was linked to "deviance" and marginalized groups.

Prohibition's Prelude: The era set the stage for cocaine's full criminalization.

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Medical Marvel to Menace: Cocaine went from a celebrated medicine to a recognized danger.

Widespread Use: Cocaine became popular across social classes for recreation.

Growing Concern: Addiction and negative effects led to increasing worry.

Shifting Views: Cocaine's image tarnished, setting the stage for future control.

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Before 1550, the social significance of cocaine was primarily centered on the Andean cultures of South America.

It played a crucial role in religious ceremonies, medicine, social customs, and economic activities.

The global impact of cocaine was limited until much later in history.

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New studies are revealing that long term use of benzos is negatively affecting white matter in the brain 

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Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates: Health

July 1, 2024: BMC Medicine journal releases study findings: Benzos may shrink the brain

In the journal BMC Medicine, researchers have stated use of benzodiazepines over time may speed up the natural age-related dwindling of two regions of the brain involved in memory and mood regulation: the hippocampus and the amygdala.

A study involves almost 5,500 people

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Overdose crisis: Cocaine, often mixed with fentanyl, contributes to rising overdose deaths.

Health problems: Cocaine use is linked to heart issues, stroke, mental health disorders, and infectious diseases.

Social costs: Cocaine use can lead to family breakdown, crime, and community instability.

Inequity persists: Black and Latino individuals are disproportionately affected by cocaine-related arrests.

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Oregon decriminalizes small amounts of all drugs, including cocaine, as part of a shift towards a public health approach to substance use. This sparks debate about drug policy reform across the US.

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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts drug markets and access to treatment services, with potential impacts on cocaine use patterns.

Increased focus on mental health: The pandemic also brings greater awareness of the link between substance use and mental health disorders, leading to calls for integrated treatment approaches.

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Fentanyl enters the drug supply: The potent synthetic opioid fentanyl begins to contaminate the cocaine supply, leading to a surge in overdose deaths. This highlights the dangers of an increasingly unpredictable drug market.

Cocaine use remains steady: Despite the opioid crisis, cocaine use persists, particularly among young adults and in nightlife settings.

Growing concern about stimulant use disorders: Increased attention is paid to the specific challenges of stimulant addiction, including the lack of FDA-approved medications for treatment.

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The opioid epidemic explodes, with prescription painkillers and heroin increasingly dominating the drug landscape. This overshadows cocaine, though its use continues.

Increased awareness of addiction as a disease: More emphasis is placed on treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a moral failing, leading to expanded access to treatment and harm reduction services.

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Fair Sentencing Act passed, addressing the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, promoting fairer treatment in the criminal justice system.

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Opioids overshadowed cocaine: The rise of opioid addiction shifted attention and resources away from cocaine, even though it remained a problem.

Cocaine use was widespread: It persisted across different social groups, from affluent partygoers to marginalized communities.

Online drug markets grew: The internet made it easier to obtain cocaine, potentially increasing its accessibility.

Harm reduction was emphasized: Strategies like needle exchange programs aimed to reduce the negative consequences of cocaine use.

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Emphasis on treatment and harm reduction strengthens, with development of new medications and therapies.

Dramatic increase in prescription opioid abuse diverts attention and resources from cocaine, despite its continued prevalence.

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Social Implications in Late 1990s - Early 2000s

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Social Implications in Late 1990s - Early 2000s

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Cocaine's image changed: It was no longer solely associated with the urban poor; use increased among affluent groups.

Hidden problem: Cocaine addiction persisted as a less visible but still serious issue affecting various communities.

Health risks remained high: Cocaine continued to be linked to heart problems, stroke, and overdose.

"Club drug" association: Cocaine became part of the club scene, promoting recreational use and downplaying risks.

Shifting focus: Emphasis moved towards treatment and harm reduction, recognizing addiction as a health issue.

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Fluctuations in cocaine use occur, influenced by economic conditions, availability of other drugs, and shifting social norms.

Cocaine remains a public health concern, linked to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and overdose.

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Crack's Lingering Shadow: While crack use declined, its devastating impact on communities and families persisted.

Shifting Demographics: Cocaine use diversified, with increasing use among suburban and affluent populations.

New Forms Emerge: Powder cocaine regained popularity, and new forms like "crack lite" appeared.

War on Drugs Continues: Mass incarceration and aggressive policing remained central to drug policy, with continued racial disparities.

Harm Reduction Gains Traction: Needle exchange programs and other harm reduction strategies emerged to address the health consequences of drug use.

Pop Culture Glamorization: Cocaine remained a fixture in movies, music, and television, often portraying a glamorous lifestyle associated with its use.

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Decline of the Crack Epidemic:

While crack remained a problem, its use began to decline from its peak in the late 1980s. This was attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of its dangers, law enforcement efforts, and changing drug trends.

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As of today there are 38 states in the United States have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana.

At the federal level, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, which means it's prohibited for any use. However, federal law is generally not enforced against the possession, cultivation, or distribution of cannabis in states where it's legal.

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Madelin Ceja

-After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Mexican immigrants flooded into the United States, bringing with them the recreational use of marijuana.

- The drug became associated with the immigrants and the fear and , in turn, prejudice about the newcomers became associated with marijuana.

-Anti-drug campaigners warned against the encroaching "Marijuana Menace". During the Great Depression, massive unemployment and increased public resentment and fear of Mexican immigrants escalated public and governmental concern about the potential problem of marijuana.

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Ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and address fentanyl-related overdoses continue.
Public health officials, law enforcement, and policymakers continue to implement strategies to reduce opioid addiction and overdose deaths. These efforts include improved access to treatment, harm reduction strategies, and attempts to disrupt the illicit drug supply chain.

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Over 71,000 fentanyl-related deaths in the US.
The CDC reports a record number of fentanyl-related deaths, underscoring the ongoing severity of the opioid crisis. This data drives continued efforts to address the epidemic.

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86% of opioid deaths in Wisconsin connected to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
This statistic from Wisconsin exemplifies the nationwide trend of fentanyl's dominance in opioid-related deaths. It demonstrates the pervasiveness of synthetic opioids in the drug supply.