SOCIAL WORK SOCIAL AREA RESEARCH PAPER
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Social Work Social Area Research Paper
Social issues are problems recognized by the society that prevents them from functioning optimally. This paper addresses two major issues that plague society; drug abuse and drug treatment programs and sexual orientation, gender identity, and services to LGBTQ individuals. These are significant societal problems, and this paper seeks to address them in their totality.
Drug Abuse and Drug Treatment Programs
Drug abuse has existed since the 1800s, with drugs like morphine, heroin, and cocaine hailed for their curative properties. These drugs were unregulated and were distributed freely by physicians. In the 1950s, there was increased marijuana use, along with tranquilizers and amphetamines. Drug use continued through the 1960s and 70s, but in the 1980s, it had declined apart from drugs like cocaine and crack, whose use kept soaring. There was increased drug development in the 20th century, and more drugs became available, including synthetic opiates, LSD, and methamphetamine (The History of Drug Abuse and Addiction Rehabilitation, 2019).
Drug treatment and rehabilitation were brought about by examining the physical and mental health effects of drug abuse. According to The History of Drug Abuse and Addiction Rehabilitation (2019), The New York State Inebrium Asylum was established in 1964. It was the first hospital founded to treat drug abuse as a mental health condition. More people began viewing drug abuse as a serious problem, leading to more sober houses and community groups to deal with the issue. In 1985 Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by Dr.Bob Smith and Bill Wilson (The History of Drug Abuse and Addiction Rehabilitation, 2019). AA’s success led to Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA).
Drug policies involve all laws that limit the distribution and use of prescription and illicit drugs. Each drug carries a specific penalty for its possession and uses, with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) scheduling controlled and dangerous substances (Drug Policy in America, 2019). Drug policies now majorly focus on prevention and treatment measures. The drug reform policy initiatives seek to address the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction. Recently, public outcry has led many would-be prisoners to receive second chances and get treatment and rehabilitation instead of prison sentences. Moreover, foreign policies play a significant role in drug use since most of the drugs used are from outside countries like Columbia and Peru (Drug Policy in America, 2019). Therefore, the government plays the most prominent role in implementing and reforming drug policies.
Various issues are currently facing drug abuse. Increased social media use has led to the increased availability of drugs and other illegal substances. Moreover, celebrities and famous personalities are publicly using drugs in their movies, music videos, and public events, creating the image that it is okay to use them. There is also the legalization of some drugs in various states. There are also multiple issues facing drug treatment and rehabilitation. First, these institutions are under-funded; hence they are unable to offer effective treatment options. Secondly, there is not enough qualified staff to provide treatment suited to addicts and their personalized needs.
Future projections for drug abuse indicate it will continue increasing if reform policies and measures are not implemented. People are coming up with new strategies to enter drugs into the country illegally. Therefore it is crucial to come up with stricter laws to secure the country’s borders. Additionally, it is essential to implement better training and teaching for staff who work in drug treatment and rehabilitation centers and increase their funding to ensure they can meet their patients’ individual needs.
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Services to LGBTQ Individuals
Before the late nineteenth century, people did not believe in the possibility of having distinct sexual identities; it only emerged during the late twentieth century. The LGBTQ community has had a history that has shaped its society, fighting for acceptance and equality. The period during world war II served as an awakening for many queer people in the USA as they began to explore their sexuality (LGBT History, n.d.). It resulted in the opening of gay clubs, bars, and community groups. In 1969 the Stonewall riots occurred in Greenwich Village, New York, marking a significant resistance to gay and lesbian men and women discrimination. Bill Clinton, the 41st president, was the first US president to recognize gay men and women’s civil rights as national issues for concern, opening them up to government positions. Major milestones occurred in the 2000s, with various states legalizing same-sex marriages (LGBT History, n.d.).
Various policies have shaped the recognition and provision of services to the LGBTQ community. The Globe Act was introduced in 2018 to protect the LGBTQ community’s rights worldwide (Federal Leg, n.d.). In 2019, the Equality Act was established to protect LGBTQ individuals in essential areas of life, including employment, housing, education, and credit, to name a few. Additionally, the Global Respect Act was introduced to prevention entry to the United States to the people who violated the LGBTQ community’s rights. Furthermore, the International Human Rights Defense Act, established in the same year, built a US diplomacy framework to protect LGBTQ rights worldwide and introduce a principal advisor to the Secretary of State on LGBTQ-related issues (Federal Leg, n.d.). With many more, these policies protect LGBTQ individuals worldwide, although much remains to be implemented.
Various issues today still affect the LGBTQ community. Hate crimes against this community continue to prevail, and some states have no hate crime laws. Additionally, only a few states allow gay couples to parent. Various US states have legalized adoption agencies denying adoption rights to same-sex couples based on their sexual orientation. Many parents continue sending their children to “gay conversion therapy,” believing it will cure them of their sexual orientation. Furthermore, the LGBTQ community is continually discriminated against in the workplace, with some being fired after disclosing their gender identity and sexual orientation. These problems should be addressed to ensure that real equality is achieved and that LGBTQ individuals are afforded the same rights as everyone else.
Future projections for the LGBTQ community look towards achieving equality in all aspects of life, from housing to employment. Companies are working towards protecting LGBTQ individuals from being fired due to their gender identity or sexual discrimination. It is also vital to establish state and federal laws protecting these individuals from hate crimes. There are also efforts to ensure fair housing and credit facilities are given to them. Much remains to be changed when it comes to parenting laws, but work is being done to see that same-sex couples are allowed to parent children together and adopt them. The changing times indicate acceptance for LGBTQ individuals, and society is slowly coming to terms with it.
These social issues need to be addressed to ensure society achieves its full potential. Drug abuse and hate crimes towards LGBTQ individuals should be taken seriously, and efforts should be taken to ensure they are solved. Finding solutions to these problems will create a healthier society for the current and future generations to excel in.