Drug abuse and addiction occur when a person uses any form of drug for a purpose or way other than for which it was intended. Drug abuse is most commonly associated with the use of illegal street drugs. However, drug addiction often times takes place with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription (Rx) drugs as well.

Illegal drugs such as cocaine, crack-cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana are the most frequently thought of abused drugs; other drugs, such as alcohol, although legal, are also drugs that are frequently and severely abused. Illegal drugs and alcohol are no longer the overwhelming majority of drugs abused by teenagers, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are quickly becoming the high of choice.

Taking away guns from citizens may be well intentioned but it could rob away people’s rights to defend themselves. There are rising concerns from various stakeholders that guns should not just be the reserve for law enforcers and criminals. (Goodman, 2004)Ordinary citizens need to have the ability to protect themselves too. The essay shall examine both sides of the coin and recommendations given on the matter.

The United States is one of the countries with the highest crime rates in the world. In response to this crisis, legislators have instituted laws that attempt to restrict gun ownership. Additionally, many politicians will be heard rallying against mass ownership of guns within the country. The latter group may seem as though they are committing just acts through their avocations. However, their intentions are quite misplaced; most of them simply want to impress the public by appearing to be tackling the problem. If the United States was to restrict gun ownership among citizens, then the latter will look for another method of killing. These legislators ought to realize that it is the human being behind that trigger that causes death. Consequently, if guns were outlawed or severely restricted, then criminals would just look for another method of killing. For instance, they could use fire, bombs, knifes among other items. It is therefore illogical to limit gun use yet guns are simply tools used to commit killings. It is the person using the gun who must be stopped. (Murray, 2000)

Citizens should have the right to own guns because if owning a gun was made illegal, then criminals or persons will ill intentions would look for more destructive methods of killing. For instance, bombs would be on the rise and would therefore cause intense harm to vast surroundings or persons who had not done anything wrong. Besides this, guns usually target specific individuals and may not cause as much disarray as other weapons do. The fact of the matter is that murder will not come to a halt because guns have been eliminated. (Goodman, 2004)

The Church of Scientology International is directing its churches and missions in 165 countries to join forces with the United Nations on June 26th in raising awareness on drug abuse. The is based on U.N. General Assembly resolution 42/112 passed in 1987 to strengthen action and cooperation in eliminating drug abuse.

Scientology officials are asking members, neighbors, youth groups, officials and community organizations to first educate themselves about drugs and then pass it on. Through its community anti-drug outreach program, the Church developed pocket-sized youth friendly educational booklets on commonly abused drugs, which have been published by Foundation for a Drug-Free World since 2006. With the help of Church volunteers and community alliances, millions of the booklets have been distributed since 1995.

“Ask any drug addict and he will tell you he never planned to become addicted and if had he really understood the consequences of drug abuse, he would never have tried drugs in the first place,” said Rev. Bob Adams Vice President of the Church of Scientology International.