Prescription Drug Abuse: Is It a White Suburb Problem Only?
There has always been a debate whether the issue of drug abuse was merely related to the white population or not. Well, after numerous studies and researches, experts have come to the conclusion that when the issue revolves around comparing the drug abuse amongst races, then whites are more likely to use drugs when compared to their black counterparts. Well, there are many reasons behind this phenomenon and although most have been formulated on the basis of fats, a few are made up as well.
Drug Influence In Schools
According to numerous reports and case studies, it has been found that when compared to black and Latino students, the whites are more likely to indulge in prescribed drug abuse. If we are to compare the various reports, which relate to racist drug abuse, we would clearly find that in the US alone, blacks and Latinos were less likely to indulge in drug abuse when compared to their white counterparts. This has also been backed by the Centers for Disease Control and The National Institute on Drug Abuse. In Manhattan alone, it has been found that numerous whites had used or were in the stage of using prescribed drugs and when compared to the blacks, their numbers were certainly larger.
The Color Factor
There is always a big question mark when people are asked as to why the white population is more prone to prescribed drug abuse. The reason for this phenomenon, as understood by the experts, is the bias based on the color of the human being. For example, if a white is caught using an overdose of a prescribed drug, it is more often than likely that he/she would be released after a simple warning. At the same time, if a black is caught in a similar act, he/she would be subjected to sever punishment. This instills a feeling of fear amongst the blacks due to which they prefer staying clear of such medications.
The Suspension Rates
If we are to compare the suspension rate, we would realize that the overall school suspension rate amongst the blacks is at an all time high, while the whites suffer lenient repercussions. In an analysis at Minnesota schools, it was found that while African Americans represent only 6% of the total school enrollment, their suspension rate stands at a staggering 36%. On the other hand, the 84% white population suffers a suspension rate of only 54%. If we compare this rate in terms of per capita basis, we would realize that the suspension rate of blacks statewide is ten times higher as compared to whites. It is also four times higher than the national average.
The Basic Outlook
It has been noticed that black and other colored individuals are often looked upon as trouble makers. They have been branded thus by the overwhelming white majority and hence the outlook towards any and every colored individual is supposedly biased. Even though they are not trouble makers, they are often thought of as trouble makers.
