Instructions:
1. This assignment will examine substance abuse trends in the United States using the following:
a. Identify past and current trends of the use and abuse of substances in the United States.
b. Discuss when the use of illicit substances may be considered culturally appropriate (e.g., medicinal purposes, religious rituals, pain management, etc.)
c. Explain if the use of these substances are popular or more prevalent in special populations, including but not limiting to: genders, the elderly, African

Americans, Native Americans, Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) communities, etc. Also, what are the effects that each of the identified substances

are having on these populations.
d. Analyze health and social problems in the United States that occur due to drug abuse and addiction (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy, prescription drugs).

2. The above four entities will be written under the associated subheading of (Past and Current Trends, Use of Illicit Substances, Effects on Special

Populations, Analysis of Health and Social Problems)