Addiction has crippled our nation. Although we may not all agree on the causes or solutions of addiction. We can all agree that there is a drug epidemic in the United States. Drug addiction is causing negative effects in our country. People are becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol and their lives are spiraling out of control. Addicts are unable to maintain focus or the central gravity of life. Many addicts are unable to function as responsible members of society on a daily basis. Drug addicts can be our loved ones, our neighbor, the person we meet on the street. Nowadays drug addicts suffering from some type of addiction can be practically anyone. Drug addicts play a major role in increasing our crime rate. Drug addicts commit crimes such as burglary, robbery, prostitution, car theft, child abuse, child neglect, murder, drug trafficking, home invasions, thefts, including shoplifting, identity theft, credit card theft , bank fraud and even theft against loved ones. Some drug users are a public nuisance, driving up unemployment rates, becoming increasingly dependent on social services, increasing the risk of homelessness, breaking up families and causing strained relationships. The lifestyle of some drug addicts is increasing the death rate in the United States due to their risky behaviors. They are increasing the risk of serious illness, mental illness, other illnesses and, above all, poor health. Drug addicts subject themselves to all different types of diseases, from hepatitis to HIV/AIDS. Drug addicts put a strain on our economy, through our healthcare system, criminal system, increased auto insurance, and justice system. Taxpayers are footing the bill for the expenses they incur… middle of paper… the company becomes dependent. The fight against addiction primarily included early childhood education along with strong moral values, positive influence, and strong programs to support drug prevention. And, most importantly, an environment that promotes the will of God and not the will of man. References Dennis L. Thombs and Cynthia J. Osborn, 2013. Introduction to Addictive Behaviors; Fourth edition.Courtwright, D.T. (1982, 2001). Dark Paradise. Harvard University Press. Shumsky, N. L. (1998). Encyclopedia of Urban America, Cities and Suburbs. (pp.263) Santa Barbara, CA: ABCOCLIO.United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.(2010). World Drug Report 2010. New York. Fischer, A., G, & Murrati, K. A. (2011). Substance abuse, evaluation and addiction. New York: Nova Science Publishers Inc.