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Drugs were first for medicine. That's were the problem comes in because during surgeries they would us cocaine as a supplement for them to not feel pain.

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Drugs were first for medicine. That's were the problem comes in because during surgeries they would us cocaine as a supplement for them to not feel pain.

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Something that didn't help with the drug trade was the fact that a lot of famous people promoted the use of them. The majority of people on earth are followers so this did not help when kids wanted to be like celebrities.

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Something that didn't help with the drug trade was the fact that a lot of famous people promoted the use of them. The majority of people on earth are followers so this did not help when kids wanted to be like celebrities.

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The problems I listed before aren't the main problem. The main problem is the fact that throughout the 20th century it was way too easy to get these supplements. With soldiers coming home they often used these drugs to be better in war. Narcos and mafia were the big suppliers of these drugs too.

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The problems I listed before aren't the main problem. The main problem is the fact that throughout the 20th century it was way too easy to get these supplements. With soldiers coming home they often used these drugs to be better in war. Narcos and mafia were the big suppliers of these drugs too.

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The way to fix the drug trade is to enforce laws and make it harder for people to get these drugs.

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We could also try to get rid of all the countries that support some of these illegal drugs.

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“Samhsa’s National Helpline.” SAMHSA, www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions - What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?

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“Drug Trafficking.” National Crime Agency, 30 Jan. 2024, www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/drug-trafficking.

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The threat from drug trafficking

The number of people in this country whose deaths were caused by drug misuse increased last year. The last official numbers - for 2016 - attributed 2,593 UK deaths to drug misuse. Newer synthetic opioids - such as fentanyl - have contributed to this rise.

Opium production in Afghanistan and cocaine production in Colombia are at record levels. This increase in production has the added effect of a high level of drug purity at street level as the criminals have less need to use cutting agents, and this brings its own dangers. The chemicals necessary for amphetamine production continue to enter the country in volume, while street prices drop, again indicating rising availability. Evidence suggests crack cocaine use - a particular driver of violence -is rising in England and Wales, while demand for all common drug types remain high.

There is significant, and often deadly, competition between rival organised crime groups at all stages of class A drugs production and supply. There is also corruption at every stage of the drug supply chain, including through the use of corrupt port and airport officials.

Organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking are typically also involved in a range of criminal activity, and the profits from illegal drugs are used to fund other forms of criminal operations, including buying illegal firearms and financing terrorism.

Crime associated with drug trafficking is very often violent, with direct links to the criminal use of firearms and gang feud knife attacks, and traffickers frequently exploit young and vulnerable people. Cannabis gangs in particular are notorious for the trafficking and exploitation of Vietnamese children and other vulnerable people to carry out live-in work in dangerous cannabis factories.

County Lines

Urban street gangs play a key - and rising - role in the distribution of class A drugs, particularly heroin and crack cocaine. By their nature, County Line drug networks tend to operate across police and local authority boundaries, although not exclusively.

County Lines are not defined by the distance between the point of control and the point of distribution, but rather the mechanism by which that method of supply is supported; namely the use of a mobile telephone line and the use of vulnerable adults and children to facilitate the distribution. Importing areas are reporting increased levels of violence and weapons-related crimes as a result of this trend.

Read more: NCA Intelligence Assessment: County Lines, Gangs, and Safeguarding (146 KB)

Routes into the UK

Most forms of illegal drugs originate overseas and are trafficked into the UK via various routes, including:

Container shipping

Yachts and small boats

Light aircraft

Vehicle traffic from continental Europe

Airline passengers

The post and fast parcels

Trafficking methods frequentlyrely on the recruitment of vulnerable people as mules - often at great risk to their lives and welfare. They can also rely on enlisting the help of employees at ports and borders; this corruption weakens the integrity of border security and increases the risk of other forms of trafficking, including firearms and organised immigration crime.

Profits are high at all stages of drug trafficking, but particularly for those who can access the drugs in their source country. Criminals from the Balkans dominate the cocaine market, but British traffickers remain a significant threat.

Read more: National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018 (3.48 MB) .

Our response

Enforcement action against drug trafficking has a wider disruptive impact on organised crime. Crime groups involved in drug trafficking are typically involved in a range of criminal activity, so action against drug trafficking can simultaneously impact:

Illegal drugs are a global threat.To combat organised crime groups operating across borders we cannot deal with the UK in isolation - we must work with partners around the world to coordinate action and prevent illegal drugs from reaching the UK in the first place.

International action

Our international network is a key asset in enabling us to tackle the threat before drugs reach the UK.

We work closely with authorities in source countries such as Colombia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to tackle production upstream. We provide intelligence, training, tactical guidance, equipment and other forms of support to help build capability and sharpen developing nations' response to the threat.

We also work with partners in transit countries from the Caribbean to West Africa, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands to intercept shipments and prevent them from reaching UK shores. We tackle the entire drug smuggling supply chain from source to street sale, so we are able to disrupt and dismantle networks at every stage of the drug trafficking process.

Working with partners such as Border Force, the Royal Navy, European and American authorities we have conducted several maritime operations to seize large quantities of drugs at sea.

Several of the fugitives on our Most Wanted list have been convicted or are suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. Where fugitives flee abroad we work with international law enforcement partners to locate, arrest and return them to the UK to face justice.

Within the UK

We lead our own investigations, provide intelligence to partners in the UK and around the world and coordinate multi-agency action.

The NCA is taking a national leadership role in assessing the county lines threat, and prioritising the operational law enforcement response.

Border Force is a key partner in securing our borders and preventing drugs from being successfully trafficked into the country. Police and regional organised crime units (ROCUs) are also vital partners in the fight against drug trafficking.

Because drug trafficking funds and enables other forms of crime our investigations often provide crucial intelligence into associated criminal operations. It can also help us to identify and safeguard victims of crimes such as modern slavery and child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Reducing demand is another critical factor in reducing the supply of illegal drugs. Many people see recreational drug use as a victimless crime. The reality is that the production of illegal drugs for western markets has a devastating impact in source countries in terms of violence, exploitation of vulnerable and indigenous people and environmental destruction.

What you can do to help

You can help secure our borders against the trafficking of drugs and other criminal commodities.

If you see anything suspicious at the coast, on the waterways, at rural airfields or anywhere else please report it to your local police on 101 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime groups, many of whom are involved in other forms of serious crime such as firearms, modern slavery and immigration crime. Action against drug trafficking therefore has a much wider disruptive impact on organised criminal activity.

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Lathan, S. Robert. "Celebrities and substance abuse." National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2760168/. Accessed 30, January 2024.

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Numerous celebrities of the past half century have been plagued with substance abuse problems, with disastrous results. This article highlights some of the most famous cases and briefly discusses medical views of substance abuse from Osler's time to the present.

ELVIS PRESLEY

Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, had it all: a great voice, talent, and especially charisma. His performances were electrifying and his recordings set sales records. Being very generous, his acts of charity were legendary. His first album in April 1956 featured "Heart Break Hotel" and catapulted his fame. In 1957, Elvis was on top of the world. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. An image portraying the "young Elvis" was used by the US Postal Service as a stamp in 1993 and became the most popular US stamp of all time (Figure ).

Elvis began declining in his last 3 to 4 years. He had difficulty performing; received unfavorable reviews; and experienced anger and depression, colon problems, weight gain and bloating, and bizarre behavior. He had "passed" a physical examination but died unexpectedly on August 16, 1977, in the bathroom of his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He was found on the floor by his girlfriend/fiancee, Ginger Alden, around 2:00 pm.

Elvis had visited the dentist the day before for a temporary crown and was given codeine. Later he called his physician, Dr. George Nichopoulas ("Dr. Nick"), for increased pain and was prescribed six hydromorphone tablets. Also, three packets of prescription drugs for an upcoming tour arrived, and each packet contained secobarbital, ethchlorvynol, diazepam, secobarbital/amobarbital, meperidine, and antidepressants, typical of what he took on tour.

Elvis played racquetball at 3:00 am on the morning of his death and was noted to tire easily. Still, he seemed in a good mood and stayed up the rest of the night as usual, entertaining his friends and playing the piano and singing before he retired at 8:00 am. (He usually went to bed between 6:00 and 7:00 am.)

After being found at 2:00 pm, he was probably already dead. He was taken to the emergency room at Baptist Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:30 pm. Elvis was only 42 years old. An autopsy failed to show an obvious cause of death, but 2 months later a toxicology report indicated polypharmacy: 14 drugs were found in his system, including codeine (at 10 times the therapeutic level), methaqualone (in a toxic amount), morphine, meperidine, ethchlorvynol, diazepam, and several barbiturates. The combination of central nervous system depressants and codeine was believed to be lethal. However, the medical examiner's office stuck to its original diagnosis of "cardiac arrhythmia."

In order to preserve the Elvis image and legacy, a "cover up" was initiated by the family and the pathologists. The stomach contents at autopsy were destroyed before analysis, no real police investigation was conducted, and no drugs were found at Graceland. Elvis' sudden death left many unanswered questions. Many, including F. Lee Bailey, have felt that Elvis might still be alive.

MARILYN MONROE

On August 4, 1962, at age 36, Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bedroom in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. Her death was ruled a suicide from an overdose of barbiturates and chloral hydrate. However, her death is still a mystery, and many are convinced that she was murdered by organized crime, the FBI, or the CIA. There are numerous conspiracy theories.

An autopsy showed no trace of any drugs in her stomach but did show a purplish discoloration of the colon. Toxicology studies found a massive amount of pentobarbital and chloral hydrate in her body. It was suggested that the purple colon was a manifestation of an inflammatory response to barbiturates, possibly administered by enema. (She had enemas frequently, as did other Hollywood stars.) Again, following her death, there was a cover-up by the Los Angeles Police Department and the government.

JACKIE WILSON

Jackie Wilson, one of the first great rhythm and blues vocalists, was born in 1934. His father was an alcoholic, and Jackie started drinking cheap wine at age 9. In 1975, while performing in New Jersey, he had a massive heart attack followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. He was in a coma for 3 months, sustaining severe brain damage, and remained hospitalized for over 7 years until his death in 1984 at age 49.

HANK WILLIAMS

Hank Williams, who recorded 66 songs and wrote 50 of them himself, died at age 29. The exact cause of death is somewhat of a mystery, although Hank was known to be a binge alcoholic and abused opioid analgesics for chronic back pain. In addition, he took chloral hydrate frequently.

His last 48 hours were as follows. On December 30, 1952, Hank loaded up his 1952 Cadillac for a tour that would take him from Montgomery, Alabama, to West Virginia and Ohio. A 19-year-old college freshman was his driver. It was very cold, and a snowstorm covered the entire Southeast. En route, Hank drank heavily and received several injections of morphine from various doctors. He experienced convulsions and was noted to be wheezing. After very slow progress due to the weather, Hank was placed in the back seat of his Cadillac and covered with an overcoat. (In all likelihood, he was dying then.) Leaving Knoxville, Tennessee, around 10:45 pm, they drove through the night into West Virginia. At some point early on this New Year's morning, the driver headed back to pull Hank's coat over his body and noted that his hands were very cold. In the emergency room, Hank was pronounced dead at 7:00 am on January 1, 1953.

An autopsy was performed in a nearby funeral home by a "Russian intern." He noted needle marks on Hank's arms and multiple bruises. Alcohol was found in his blood but no other drugs (because they didn't look for them). The official cause of death was "right ventricular dilatation," an unusual conclusion.

THE 27 CLUB

Next, we have the "27 club," celebrity entertainers who died at age 27 of substance abuse.

Janice Joplin, rock singer, died in 1970 in Hollywood of a heroin overdose. She also drank quite heavily.

Jimi Hendrix, a famous rock guitarist, died in 1970 in London of alcohol and barbiturate overdose.

Jim Morrison, psychedelic rocker and lead singer of the Doors, died in 1971 at age 27 of a heroin overdose and was buried in Paris.

Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the alternative rock band Nirvana, died in 1994 in Seattle of a heroin overdose and a self-inflicted gunshot wound of the head.

More recently, a 28-year-old nearly joined the club:

Actor Heath Ledger died in January 2008 of an overdose of a number of prescription drugs, including codeine, temazepam, diazepam, and alprazolam.

DISCUSSION

The common denominator in all these young celebrity deaths is substance abuse, a disease that can result in depression, insomnia, personality changes, impaired judgment, and poor relationships. In some of these cases, medical care was somewhat questionable and inadequate, and self-medication was frequent. The deaths in many cases were shrouded in mystery due to cover-up attempts.

Celebrity patients frequently practice polypharmacy using multiple physicians, multiple drug stores, and multiple aliases to obtain medications. Denial increases as dependency worsens.

Prescription drugs, especially the opioid analgesics, now cause more deaths than heroin and cocaine. All of these drugs can cause central nervous system and respiratory depression. They form deadly combinations with barbiturates and other sedatives and with alcohol.

What would William Osler have done or suggested? It is known that Osler and his colleague, William H. Welch, were very supportive of the famous surgeon William S. Halsted, who before coming to Johns Hopkins had been treated for cocaine addiction by being switched to morphine. Later, Osler, as Halsted's physician, had a secret diary that documented Halsted's continued addiction to morphine. Osler wrote, "He could do his work on 3 grains/day." A later entry stated, "He got the amount down to 1½ grains/day and later possibly got on without it." However, in 1934, Welch stated, "Although it has been widely reported that Halsted conquered his addiction, this is not entirely true. As long as he lived, he will occasionally have a relapse and go back on the drug." Thus, Halsted led a life of controlled addiction. It is conceivable that a supportive, mutually trusting doctor-patient relationship played a large role in causing this favorable outcome, allowing Halsted's numerous achievements despite his addiction.

Society's view of drug addiction has changed very little since Osler's and Halsted's time and is still frequently approached with secrecy and denial. It should be noted that in the 19th century and the early 1900s, morphine usage was not only legal but more socially acceptable than alcohol. Morphine was used during the American Civil War as a surgical anesthetic and was sent home with numerous wounded soldiers for pain relief. Several hundred thousand soldiers were addicted to morphine at the end of the war.

The federal drug laws were a response to the rampant opiate addiction problem in the USA at the end of the 19th century. Over the years, we have learned that addictive drugs change the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. By mimicking various neurotransmitters, they activate the mesolimbic reward system deep within the brain. The brain's metabolism is altered, craving is created, and one's personality is changed.

How might we do better? Although some advocates believe our "war on drugs" is a failure, legalizing drugs is probably not the answer. It would spark considerable problems. Permissive approaches in Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have later backtracked.

Progress is being made in the treatment of addiction. Residential treatment programs are effective. The rate of drug use among teenagers has been cut nearly in half since its peak 30 years ago. Drug courts are now common, and the criminal justice system has become the most powerful force in the country supporting addiction treatment. Education is the key-not only teaching youth about the health dangers of specific drugs but also teaching about the disease of addiction. Finally, treatment programs should address general wellness and factors leading to addiction, including poverty, lack of education, impaired mental health, and abuse.

Addendum

At press time, another example of celebrity substance abuse has surfaced. The death of pop star Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, is being investigated for this possibility.

SELECTED REFERENCES

1. Guralnick P. Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley. New York: Little Brown and Co; 1999. [ Google Scholar]

2. Smith M. Marilyn's Last Words: Her Secret Tapes and Mysterious Death. New York: Carroll and Graf Publishers; 2003. [ Google Scholar]

3. Hemphill P. Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams. New York: Viking Press; 2005. pp. 177-187. [ Google Scholar]

4. Osler W, Bates DG, Bensley EH. The inner history of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Johns Hopkins Med J. 1969;125(4):184-194. [[ PubMed] Google Scholar]

5. Penfield W. Halsted of Johns Hopkins: the man and his problem as described in the secret records of William Osler. JAMA. 1969;210(12):2214-2218. [[ PubMed] Google Scholar]

6. Holman E. Sir William Osler and William Stewart Halsted-two contrasting personalities. Pharos. 1971:134-139. 144. [ Google Scholar]

Articles from Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) are provided here courtesy of Baylor University Medical Center

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Numerous celebrities of the past half century have been plagued with substance abuse problems, with disastrous results. This article highlights some of the most famous cases and briefly discusses medical views of substance abuse from Osler's time to the present. Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, had it all: a great voice, talent, and especially charisma.

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“A Review of the History, Actions, and Legitimate Uses of Cocaine.” Journal of Substance Abuse, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2485453. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.

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A review of the history, actions, and legitimate uses of cocaine - PubMed

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The history of cocaine is charted with specific reference to its usefulness as a medicine and local anesthetic. It is common knowledge that coca leaves were used as a panacea and local anesthetic throughout the history of the Incan Empire of Peru. In Europe, however, its medical usefulness was not f …

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SAMHSA National Helpline

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“Drug Trafficking.” INTERPOL, www.interpol.int/en/Crimes/Drug-trafficking. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024.

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The issues

Criminal networks traffic a range of drugs including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. As international borders become increasingly porous, global abuse and accessibility to drugs have become increasingly widespread.

This international trade involves growers, producers, couriers, suppliers and dealers. It affects almost all of our member countries, undermining political and economic stability, ruining the lives of individuals and damaging communities. The end-users and addicts are often the victims of a powerful and manipulative business.

Drug trafficking is often associated with other forms of crime, such as money laundering or corruption. Trafficking routes can also be used by criminal networks to transport other illicit products.

As criminals devise ever-more creative ways of disguising illegal drugs for transport, law enforcement faces challenges in detecting such concealed substances. In addition, new synthetic drugs are produced with regularity, so police need to always be aware of new trends and products on the illicit market.

Related news

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Criminal networks traffic a range of drugs including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. As international borders become increasingly porous, global abuse and accessibility to drugs have become increasingly widespread. This international trade involves growers, producers, couriers, suppliers and dealers. It affects almost all of our member countries, undermining political and economic stability, ruining the lives of individuals and damaging communities.

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Another thing with the drug trade is that it also involves a lot of other criminal activity. That adds to the drug trade and completely corrupts it. 

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Another thing with the drug trade is that it also involves a lot of other criminal activity. That adds to the drug trade and completely corrupts it. 

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You are doing a great job! Instead of just summarizing the entire article, you want to paraphrase specific pieces of information from the article. For instance, read a paragraph and then paraphrase that paragraph. That will make your information more detailed.