The drug epidemic is a continuous concern for the future of The United States of America. Over the past few years, fatal drug overdoses have seen a rapid incline. This affects not only those that are using drugs, but also their families, friends, and communities. These negative effects of substance abuse greatly impact our nation as a whole. In this blog, we will explore the scope of the overdose epidemic, the factors driving this surge, and the steps we can take to address the situation.
In the last decade, drug overdoses have become a major issue within America. From 2015 to 2024, fatal overdoses have roughly tripled in the United States. According to CBS News, nearly 110,000 American citizens died of drug overdoses in 2022 alone.
Death, however, is not the only consequence of the drug epidemic. Alpine Recovery Lodge reveals that 80% of all domestic violence reports are related to drugs. They also state that 50% of all suicides, and over 50% of all violent crimes, are caused by drugs. These shocking statistics stand as proof that drug abuse affects not only the user, but also those around them. They also raise the concern- what is causing this surge in drug abuse within the United States?
The leading cause of the United States’ drug epidemic is a result from the failed Biden/ Harris administration. Kamala Harris the “border czar” has been unable to secure the United States’ southern border shared with Mexico. This has resulted in the largest number of illegal aliens in our country ever. According to Center for Migration Studies (CMS), the total undocumented population increased to about 11.7 million in July 2023, an increase of about 800,000 compared to the previous July 2022. That is nearly an increase of 1 million illegal immigrants in only 1 year! Roughly half of these 11.7 million immigrants are crossing the United States’ southern border with 48% of undocumented immigrants being Mexican.
The reason why the increase in undocumented Mexicans within the United States is important is because Mexico has been linked with the mass production of synthetic opioids. Synthetic opioids are man-made drugs that mimic the effects of naturally occurring opioids such as codeine and morphine. These man-made drugs are often more potent and stronger than naturally occurring drugs. One synthetic opioid that is responsible for the majority of overdoses is fentanyl. USA Facts states, “In 2022, fentanyl was responsible for 200 deaths every day. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from a fentanyl overdose since 2018.” That is nearly 250,000 American lives lost in the past 5 years from fentanyl alone!
Mexican immigrants often cross the border with illicit drugs to sell once they are in the country. Because fentanyl does not have a growing season, is cheaper to produce, and has a stronger effect than other opioids, it is often a dealer’s drug of choice to sell. It can be easily smuggled over the border due to the large ratio of money to be made compared to the amount of product. Last year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl making its way into the United States. If 27,000 pounds were seized that brings forth a question that no one holds the answer to- how much fentanyl slipped through the cracks and entered our country?
Although the previous question cannot be answered, there is one certainty. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have failed our country with their administration. The increase in illegal immigration, caused by their failure to secure our borders has led to an influx in drug abuse within our nation. Frustrations held within the U.S citiziens is reflected in Glenn Greenwalds X post.
Biden/ Hariss’ democratic approach to combat the drug epidemic simply does not work. More harm reduction centers and increased funding for treatment does not benefit the country, but further worsens the problem. Giving out safe, clean needles to users may seem like a good idea, but in reality it is the opposite. This allocation of free needles encourages drug users to keep using them. If the government is supporting their habit, then users will feel as if there is no issue in using drugs. Increased funding for treatment centers can also be seen as negative. This is because government-funded programs could reduce personal incentive to seek help independently or rely on community-based solutions.
The solution to the drug epidemic that has pestered the United States for years is simple- we must secure our borders. We cannot allow undocumented individuals to sneak into our nation and make a profit from illicit drugs. Not only does this hurt our economy, but it also devastates our heath, our communities, and our humility. We must stop the drug epidemic at its source and prevent our citizens from being exposed to these devastating drugs. The Biden/ Harris administration has sat back and watched idly for far too long. It is time for a change. It is time to secure our borders and make America safe again.
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