Topic > Drug Use: The Relationship Between Drugs and Drugs

Many users of illegal drugs do not commit other types of crimes, and many people who commit crimes never use illegal drugs. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) states that heightened levels of drug use, drug abuse, and crime are directly and highly correlated, and severe drug use can amplify and perpetuate pre-existing criminal activity. As the sale and use of crack and cocaine became more popular, the need for more gang members became necessary. This has led many young people involved in clandestine crime to be exposed not only to drugs but also to violence. According to Skolnick and his colleagues, “these new criminal gangs were organized and actively involved in street drug dealing. The Bloods and Crips increasingly resembled criminal gangs designed for drug dealing. They enjoyed the advantage of being able to deal cocaine in the neighborhoods they controlled, without the intrusion of competition. They had a territorial monopoly, supported by force and driven by the growing violence in Los Angeles.” Our nation's youth are not persuaded to use drugs by gangs and poverty alone. Many members of the middle and upper class entered the music festival scene. However, these festivals aren't always just for listening. For some, music festivals are a time to get away from life, party with friends and experiment with a wide range of illicit drugs (Billboard). The music festival environment helps demonstrate that music plays a vital role in how the nation's youth grow up, regardless of their economic status. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution clearly states that we, as citizens, have the right to speak, publish, worship, or assemble in protest whatever we want. In abandoned rap lyrics,