Substance abuse disorders are common in our society. It is a disorder that each of us will most likely experience through a family member, friend or ourselves. I felt very drawn to this topic because I have a family that has a history of substance abuse and I have battled the demon myself. Only when I struggled with my addiction did I become more tolerable and understanding towards those who suffer from a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse is not something anyone wants to have; it is a disorder that takes control of a person's life. It is a beast that tears a person to pieces; from their being to the lives of their loved ones. This disorder is in no way biased; rich or poor, male or female, employed or unemployed, young or old and of any race or ethnicity” (E Not Alone). The first abuse of alcohol in America dates back to the times when our ancestors settled in the 13 colonies. Whiskey was commonly used, and the first developing towns in those original colonies began to want to rid their towns of “city drunks.” In those settlements, laws would be introduced to send the city's drunks to prison, thus sparing one of its inhabitants embarrassment. Opium was introduced to America when Chinese immigrants came to California in the 1850s to work in the gold mines and railroads (DEA Museum). It didn't take long for Americans to become addicted to opium. Opium dens became common in communities, and women and young people began to take pleasure in the distant land of euphoria provided by opium. Due to the growing popularity and concern about the effects this drug had on the population, the government sought to impose taxes. "Initially, opium was taxed, then licensed, then discouraged, and finally made illegal for most of us... middle of paper... for life. Works Cited""Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction." - Drug Abuse and Addiction. 14 December 2010. Home | DEA Visitors. December 14, 2010. State, by. "Holistic Drug Rehabilitation | Treatment Centers." Addiction Treatment | Drug. Network. December 14, 2010. "Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Addiction While Coping with Depression or Anxiety." Helpguide.org: Understanding, Preventing and solving life challenges. December 14, 2010."What is substance abuse?" ENotAlone: ​​Relationships, Personal Growth, Health Tips, and Articles. December 14, 2010 drug and alcohol addiction: physical, emotional". Addictions and Recovery.org - Relapse prevention and coping skills. Network. December 14. 2010