Drug trends and patterns have changed throughout history. There are many different types of drugs that have developed throughout time, but the most popular drugs consist of amphetamines; cocaine; crack; LSD; Marijuana; opium and heroin. The history of these drugs date back to the 1600’s when the first “drug” was used. Not only were these drugs used for recreational purposes but some of them were used for other reasons.
Drug use began in the 1600’s when marijuana was grown by Jamestown settlers, for making rope, sails, and clothing. Marijuana was a major revenue source throughout the United States until after the Civil War. Between 1850 and 1937, marijuana was used for medicinal purposes and could be purchased in pharmacies and general stores. Due to the rise of crimes and violence caused by the use of marijuana, Congress criminalized marijuana in 1937. In recent years, the punishment of the use of marijuana has decreased and in some states has been legalized medically for people suffering serious illnesses such as AIDS.
Amphetamines were first created in 1887; and became popular in the 1920’s when it was used for raising blood pressure, enlarging the nasal passages, and stimulating the central nervous system. The drug became abused in 1930 when it was sold in an over the counter inhaler. During the 1990s, the popularity of crystal meth, a smokeable form of methamphetamines began to increase in the United States. The current profiles of meth users are students both high school and college, and white blue-collar and unemployed people usually in their 20’s and 30’s.
Cocaine, another drug used medicinally was first prescribed to soldiers in training to help reduce fatigue; it became a popular drug in the 1900’s and was used by an estimated 200,000 people. Once the drug became outlawed in the United States, the use declined. The drug was viewed as harmless until the 1985 surfacing of crack. Crack cocaine was made by cooking cocaine powder, water, and baking soda until it becomes solid and can be broken down into rocks. Although cocaine was expensive to purchase, crack cocaine was affordable and became popular in the working class and poorer neighborhoods.
LSD was accidentally discovered in 1943 and was at first only available to those who had connections in the medical field because it was only distributed to health professionals. However, LSD was not difficult to produce and the development of a black market for LSD emerged in the US. Nevertheless in 1966 Congress prohibited the possession, manufacturing, sale, and importation of LSD. In the 1970’s and 1980’s the use of LSD declined but again became popular in the 1990’s in the rave subculture.
Opiates were popular in the 19th century among women. They were first prescribed to them for the suffering from neurasthenia and other "female problems.” In 1875 opium smoking was banned in San Francisco but became popular throughout the United States. From opium, developed heroin, which was considered to be a “hip” drug. In the 1990’s heroin usage increased greatly and caused South American organizations to expand from cocaine markets to heroin.
Although these are the most popular drugs used throughout the nation, there are many other types of drugs that have been created and continue to be used. The pattern of drug use has changed as well. Some drugs are used more than others or have certain types of users. However, drug use threatens Americans of every “socio-economic background, geographic region, educational level, and ethnic and racial identity”. An estimated 12.8 million Americans use illegal drugs, and the problem with drugs will continue (NCJRS.GOV).
McCaffrey, Barry R. (1997). America's Drug Abuse Profile. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from NCJRS website: http://www.ncjrs.gov/htm/chapter2.htm
Sloboda, Z. and N. J. Kozel. (2003). Understanding drug trends in the United States of America. Bulletin on Narcotics, 55. Retrieved from http://www.unodc.org/pdf/bulletin/bulletin_2003_01_01_1_Art5.pdf
Smith, Martin, Brooke Runnett, Oriana Zill. (2000). A Social History of America's Most Popular Drugs. Retrieved March 4, 2010, from PBS.org website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/buyers/socialhistory.html
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