Reinarman’s article is effectively linked to the idea of social constructionism. Social constructionism is a theory that explains that people develop knowledge in a social context with the perception of reality resulting from standard assumptions. In America, drug scares have been used to magnify the issue related to drugs, and it is familiar with the media and political arena. The myths in this article not different from Reinarman calls drug scares in other scholarly works. For the last 200 years, drug scares have been used to cause panic to the members of the society. The first laws against the use of opium in San Francisco because it popularized as being dangerous and causing violent behaviors. Though it is known that crack is another form of cocaine, the media and politicians present it as a much different drug. Drugs have been greatly associated with violent behaviors, but many people do not take illicit drugs. On the other hand, some people are addicted to drugs such as cocaine, opium, and marijuana but do not show violent behaviors. This makes me agree with Reinarman that drug scares are just mere assumptions and have little truth.
Based on the Reinarman article, I believe individuals entering the criminal justice system should have a proper understanding of drug scares. They should not merely believe the media and nor the political allegations linked to drugs. For instance, in the criminal justice system, drug use has perceived as the most significant influencer of crime commission. Whenever a crime happens, the first tests are related to drug usage. Individuals entering the criminal justice system need to open their minds to other possible factors that may trigger crime rather than drug use.
Though homosexuality was legalized in the US in 2015, it is highly condemned in society. As a result, gays often feel guilty about engaging in anal sex. This might be the most significant stressor, which makes them use methamphetamine to stimulate sex motive. If indeed there is a link between methamphetamine use and sex, then it is expected heterosexuals would be using it more often. The recognition, understanding, and appreciation of the gay community in the society may help reduce the use of the drug by the group.
Though drugs may offer some comfort after the demise of a loved one, I believe the additional disadvantages associated with black American women influence them towards drug abuse. In many cases, females who are molested after the demise of a loved one are more likely to end up in drug abuse. The best way to treat African American women addicted to drugs is through seeking spiritual guidance as it restores hope in life as well as enabling them to forget about the past.
However, I believe friends greatly determine if an adolescent will be introduced to drugs even after acculturation. If a person interacts more with non-drug users, there are high chances that he or she will not be exposed to drugs.