Done by: Dondre Parkinson &

Tami-Ann McFarlane
◤
Drug Abuse and
Drug Trafficking
Understanding Drug Abuse
as a Social Technology

◤
 What is Drug Abuse?
◤

The process in which the use of psychoactive

agents are:

o Consumed to a degree or manner that can be

o Classified as hazardous to the party under it’s

influence.

❑ Example:- Ms. Anderson's doctor recommends

that she takes five Advil pills every two weeks.
However, Ms. Anderson becomes addicted to
the ease at which the pills facilitates sleep;
subsequently, she becomes addicted and takes
three more over the stipulated limit (8). This is,
by definition, drug abuse as the volume
increase could have potentially harmed Ms.
Anderson.
 STUDY OF DRUG ABUSE
◤ SOCIOLOGICALLY
• Pioneered by Howard S. Becker ( A known Functionalist).

• Howard coined that Drug Use is a social phenomenon shaped by (Howard S. Becker)
societal reactions and labeling.

• The Sociological study of Drug Abuse can be studied both from a

Functionalist perspective as well as that of the Marxist.

• Popular Conflict theorists who spoke on Drug Abuse include:

⮚ Richard Quinney

⮚ William Chambliss

• Popular Functionalists who spoke on Drug Abuse include:

⮚ Robert Merton

⮚ Howard Becker
 The Functionalist Perspective
◤

▪ Functionalism is described as A Theoretical Perspective that views

society as:

o a complex system

o comprising of various parts

o that depend on each other to maintain stability and equilibrium.

▪ The Functionalist Perspective, therefore, sees drug abuse as a

necessary tool to the maintenance of society.
 Popular Functionalists Views on Drug Abuse
◤
❑ Emile Durkheim-
✔ Argued that drug abuse could be used to influence social cohesion
✔ This would unite the society against a common evil
✔ As well as a tool to reinforcement acceptable behavior.

❑ Robert Merton-
✔ Used Strain Theory to suggest drug abuse could be a response to the strain between:
1. societal goals
2. the means to achieve these goals.

❑ Howard Becker-
✔ Coined that Drug Use and Abuse is a social phenomenon shaped by societal reactions and
labelling.
✔ Quotes From Howard’s Book “Becoming a Marihuana User”:
⮚ “It’s not the effects of a drug that produce the user’s behavior, but the social meaning attributed
to that drug.”
⮚ “Becoming a Marihuana User is a social process, not simply a matter of individual
personality.”
 The Conflict Perspective

▪ Marxism ◤
is described as A Theoretical Perspective that views society as:

o An arena of struggle

o A construct the benefits a minority (Bourgeoises) whom are in control of all

the major superstructures (The Church, School, Government)

o A construct that oppresses the majority (Working Class) whom fall subject to
the rules and guidelines of all the major superstructures.

o The Conflict Perspective, therefore, views Drug Abuse is seen as a result of

social conflict and economic disparities.
 Popular Marxists Views on Drug Abuse
❑ ◤
Richard Quinney-
✔ Argues that the minority that hold the power to create and maintain laws protect their interests at the expense of
marginalized groups.
Richard Quinney
✔ This marginalization then leads these groups coping with methods often times frowned upon by society (Deviance).
✔ Drug use and eventual drug abuse is one such method.

❑ William Chambliss-
✔ Emphasizing the role of the state in reinforcing social inequality through law enforcement.
✔ Introduced the concept of “the law as a weapon of the powerful”.
⮚ Which simply means they are tools that aid the powerful in maintaining their privilege.
✔ He coined that specific laws were put in place that made a certain amount of drug use be considered Drug Abuse.
✔ He also stated that drug abuse is not solely an individual problem but a consequence of social conflict and economic
disparities.
⮚ As marginalized groups are more likely to resort to drug-related activities due to limited opportunities and resources.
 Sociological Impact Of Drug Abuse
◤
 There are three fundamental impacts that drug abuse has on a
sociologic level:

1. Alienation

2. Social Exclusion

3. Deviant Identities
 Alienation
◤
 Alienation-

 Drug Abuse can lead to feelings of isolation.

 Individuals become disconnected from their families, friends and

broader social circles.

 Due to them prioritizing drug use their values and interests often
diverge from those around them.

 This often times leads to feelings of isolation and solitude.

 Social Exclusion
◤
 Social Exclusion-

 Drug users often face stigma and rejection from society.

 Their behavior may be seen as deviant or unacceptable.

 This leads to exclusion from various social institutions such as:

schools, workplaces and even religious communities.
 Deviant Identities
◤
 Deviant Identities

 Follows shortly after social exclusion.

 They internalize negative perceptions associated with drug abuse.

 Then reinforce it with patterns of drug use until it becomes apart of

who they are.
 Sociopolitical Impact of Drug Abuse
◤
 There are three major sociopolitical impacts of drug abuse:

1. Increased Crime Rates

2. Strained Healthcare

3. Erosion of Community Trust

 Increased Crime Rates
◤
 Increased Crime Rates

 Drug abuse often leads to criminal activity including:

1. Theft

2. Drug trafficking

3. Violence

 As individuals resort to illegal means to sustain their addiction.

 The need for law enforcement and judicial resources to combat drug related crimes
can strain public budgets.

 This can divert resources from addressing other societal issues.

 Strained Healthcare Systems
◤
 Strained Healthcare Systems

 Drug Abuse places a significant strain on healthcare systems due to the

physical and mental health consequences associated with substance
abuse.

 Hospitals and treatment centers may be overwhelmed by the demand

for care related to drug overdoses, addiction treatment and associated
health problems.
 Erosion of Community Trust
 Erosion ◤
of Community Trust

 Drug abuse undermines the trust within communities as it often leads

to social disruptions and safety concerns.

 Communities affected by high levels of drug abuse may see a

breakdown in social cohesion and increased fear of crime.

 This leads to a decline in trust among residents.

 Drug Abuse In The Caribbean Context
◤
 In the context of the Caribbean, drug abuse affects three main
aspects:

1. The Caribbean is used as a Transshipment Point for Drugs

2. Impact on Violence

3. Economic Instability
 The Caribbean as a Transshipment for Drugs
◤
 The Caribbean as a Transshipment for Drugs
 The Caribbean has a geographic location that is between:
 the drug-producing countries in South America
 the drug-consuming markets in North America and Europe.
 Due to the vast expanse of the region, it is challenging for law
enforcement agencies to effectively monitor and intercept drug
shipments, making it an attractive route for traffickers.
 Impact on Violence
◤
 Impact on Violence

 The drug trade has led to a surge in violence in the Caribbean.

 Criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking often compete
for control of routes, territories, and markets.
 This competition for dominance in the drug trade has resulted in high
rates of homicides and violent crime, affecting the safety and security
of local communities.
 Economic Instability
◤
 Economic Instability
 Undermines the economic stability of the Caribbean.
 It offers a source of income for some individuals but at the cost of
destabilizing local economies.
 The "narco-economy" can distort legitimate economic activities,
such as tourism and agriculture, as well as contribute to corruption,
which hampers economic growth.
 Possible Solutions of Drug Abuse
◤
 Harm Reduction Strategies
 Rehabilitation
 Addressing Root Causes
 Enhance Community Support
 Reduce Stigma Associated with Drug Use.
 Harm Reduction Strategies
◤
 Harm Reduction Strategies
 Aim to minimize the negative consequences of drug abuse without
necessarily requiring immediate abstinence.
 Examples: Needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, and access
to naloxone to prevent opioid overdoses.
 These strategies reduce the risk of disease transmission and prevent
overdose deaths, offering a safer path for individuals struggling with
addiction.
 Rehabilitation
◤
 Rehabilitation
 Focuses on helping individuals overcome addiction through medical,
psychological, and social support.
 Examples: Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, therapy, and
medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
 Provides the tools and resources needed for individuals to break free
from addiction and lead healthier lives.
 Addressing Root Causes
◤
 Addressing Root Causes
 Identifying and tackling the underlying factors that contribute to drug
abuse.
 Examples: Mental health support, socioeconomic interventions, and
education on coping skills.
 By addressing root causes like trauma, mental health issues, or social
inequalities, we can prevent drug abuse at its source.
 Enhance Community Support
 Enhance◤Community Support
 Strengthening local resources and services to aid those affected by
drug abuse.
 Examples: Support groups, counseling services, and community
outreach programs.
 A strong support system can provide guidance and motivation for
individuals seeking recovery, creating a sense of belonging and
purpose.
 Reduce Stigma Associated with Drug Use
◤
 Reduce Stigma Associated with Drug Use
 Changing society's negative perceptions and judgments of those
struggling with drug abuse.
 Examples: Public awareness campaigns, education, and open
dialogue.
 Reducing stigma encourages individuals to seek help without fear of
judgment, making it easier for them to access treatment and support.
 Drug Trafficking
◤
 ◤
What is Drug Trafficking?

▪ Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade

involving the cultivation,
manufacture, distribution and sale of
substances which are subject to drug
prohibition laws.
 ◤
Social Factor that Leads to Drug Trafficking

● Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities: High levels of

poverty and limited access to legal job opportunities can drive
individuals to engage in drug trafficking as a means of financial
survival. The promise of quick and substantial profits can be a strong
incentive in economically disadvantaged areas.
● Unemployment: A lack of stable employment opportunities can push
individuals toward the drug trade as an alternative source of income.
This is especially true in regions with high youth unemployment rates.
 ◤
● Income Inequality: Disparities in wealth and income within a
society can create a sense of injustice and alienation, which can lead
some individuals to turn to illegal activities like drug trafficking as a
way to improve their economic status.
● Underdevelopment: Regions with inadequate infrastructure,
education systems, and healthcare facilities may struggle to provide
legitimate economic opportunities, making the drug trade a more
appealing option for those seeking a way out of poverty.
● Corruption: Widespread corruption within law enforcement
agencies, government institutions, and the judiciary can facilitate
drug trafficking by allowing traffickers to operate with relative
impunity. Corrupt officials can be bribed or coerced into turning a
blind eye to illegal activities
 ◤
Sociopolitical Effects of Drug Trafficking

● Violence and Crime: Drug trafficking often leads to increased levels

of violence and crime as drug cartels and criminal organizations
compete for control of drug production, distribution, and territory.
This can result in high homicide rates, the proliferation of organized
crime, and a general sense of insecurity.
● Political Corruption: Drug traffickers frequently seek to corrupt law
enforcement officials, politicians, and government institutions to
facilitate their operations. This corruption can undermine the rule of
law, erode public trust in government, and hinder efforts to combat
drug trafficking.
 ◤

● Erosion of Institutions: The presence of drug trafficking

organizations can weaken governmental institutions, including the
police, judiciary, and customs agencies. Weakened institutions may
struggle to enforce the law effectively and provide essential
services.
● Public Health Crisis: Drug trafficking can contribute to public
health crises, as the availability of illicit drugs can lead to
addiction, overdose deaths, and the spread of infectious diseases
such as HIV/AIDS. Addressing these health issues places
additional burdens on healthcare systems.
 ◤
Functionalist Perspective
This perspective emphasizes the role that drug trafficking plays in the broader
structure of society. It may highlight how drug trafficking fulfills certain
functions, such as providing economic opportunities in impoverished
communities or fueling the prison-industrial complex.
Functionalists argue that some level of deviance, including criminal behavior,
is functional for society. Deviance serves several purposes, including
clarifying norms and values, promoting social change, and maintaining social
cohesion. In this view, drug trafficking can be seen as a form of deviance that
highlights society's boundaries and reinforces the importance of law and order.
 ◤

As a Response to Strain:

Functionalism acknowledges that not everyone in society has

equal access to legitimate means of achieving success and
economic stability. When individuals or groups face strain and
limited opportunities, they may turn to deviant activities like
drug trafficking as an alternative means of attaining financial
security. In this sense, drug trafficking can be seen as a
response to structural strain within society.
 ◤
Conflict/Marxist Perspective

The conflict perspective views drug trafficking as a manifestation of power

struggles within society. It emphasizes the inequalities that exist in the
distribution of resources and opportunities, suggesting that drug trafficking is
often a response to economic and social disparities. It also examines how the
criminalization of drug offenses can disproportionately affect marginalized
communities.
 ◤

From a Marxist perspective, individuals and communities facing economic

hardship and limited legitimate employment opportunities may turn to illegal
activities like drug trafficking out of economic necessity. Capitalism's
emphasis on profit maximization can lead to the marginalization and economic
disenfranchisement of certain groups, pushing them into the informal or illegal
economy.
 ◤
Interactionist Perspective

This perspective focuses on the symbolic meanings and interactions associated

with drug trafficking. It looks at how society labels and stigmatizes individuals
involved in the drug trade, leading to social stratification and the creation of
deviant subcultures.
Interactionists argue that individuals involved in drug trafficking attach meaning
to their activities. For drug traffickers, their involvement in the trade may not just
be about financial gain but could also involve personal identity, social status, and
even a sense of rebellion. The symbols and language they use to describe their
roles and experiences are central to understanding their motivations.
 ◤
Drug Trafficking as an Issue in the
Caribbean.

Drug trafficking is a significant issue in the Caribbean region, and it has a range of
social, economic, and political implications for the countries in the area.
Geographical Location: The geographical location of the Caribbean places it in close
proximity to major drug-producing countries in South and Central America, such as
Colombia and Venezuela. This proximity makes the region a strategic transit point for
the trafficking of cocaine and other illegal drugs to North America and Europe.
 ◤
● Corruption and Infiltration: Drug trafficking often leads to corruption
within law enforcement agencies, customs, and other government
institutions. Traffickers seek to bribe officials to facilitate their operations. In
some cases, the infiltration of drug cartels into local politics and institutions
has been reported.

● Economic Consequences: The drug trade can have economic consequences

for Caribbean countries. While it may provide economic opportunities for
some individuals involved in trafficking, it can also undermine economic
development by diverting resources away from legitimate economic
activities and causing social disruption.
 ◤
● Impact on Crime and Violence: The influx of drug-related activities,
including drug trafficking and associated crimes, has contributed to
increased crime and violence in some Caribbean countries. This can have
a destabilizing effect on communities and deter tourism, a vital industry
for many Caribbean nations.
● Impact on Tourism: The perception of the Caribbean as a drug
trafficking route can deter tourists from visiting the region, impacting the
tourism industry, which is a crucial source of revenue and employment for
many countries.
● Social Impacts: The drug trade can have social impacts on communities,
including the recruitment of young people into the drug trade, family
disruption, and the creation of drug-related subcultures.
 ◤
Measures Taken to Deal With Drug
Trafficking in the Caribbean

The Caribbean region has implemented various measures to deal with drug
trafficking, recognizing its negative impact on society, security, and the
economy. These measures involve a combination of law enforcement,
international cooperation, prevention, and social programs.
 ◤

● Enhanced Border Security: Caribbean countries have increased their

border security efforts, including the deployment of customs and
immigration officials, enhanced surveillance systems, and stricter checks on
incoming and outgoing vessels and aircraft.
● Maritime Patrols: Many Caribbean nations, with support from international
partners like the United States Coast Guard, conduct maritime patrols to
intercept drug trafficking vessels, particularly those smuggling cocaine from
South America.
● Legislation and Legal Reforms: Caribbean countries have enacted and
amended laws to strengthen penalties for drug-related offenses, money
laundering, and corruption. These legal reforms are aimed at deterring drug
traffickers and corrupt officials.
 ◤

● International Cooperation: Caribbean nations cooperate with neighboring

countries and international partners to address transnational drug trafficking
networks. This includes extradition agreements and mutual legal assistance.

● Anti-Corruption Measures: Efforts are made to address corruption within

law enforcement and government institutions. These measures include anti-
corruption commissions, transparency initiatives, and whistleblower
protection laws.
● Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and NGOs run public
awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse
and the negative consequences of drug trafficking on communities and
society.