Halle Fiagle

HLTH 1050

Ibarra

24 July 2017

Course Reflection

I have learned a lot from this course that Im not sure I wouldve figured out on

my own. Not to many people around me are involved in illicit drugs, whether it be users,

health professionals, or law officers. My eyes were opened to the world of drugs and the

impact that they can have on societies around the world.

Before beginning this course, I had a solely negative opinion on drug users. Now

I am more aware of why people get into drugs, how it affects their behavior and why its

an epidemic. People can begin using a drug for endless reasons. They are bored and

want to try something that seems interesting. Their friends pressure them into it. They

use it as an escape from the hardships of reality. Drug users can show every extreme of

emotions. They can be blissfully relaxed or aggressively violent depending on the type

and time of use.

What really stood out to me about the course is the impact drugs have culturally.

In some parts of the world drugs are a key to traditions. In others, drugs are used to

control and strike fear into its populace such as Pablo Escobars cocaine dictatorship.

Drugs after all are a money-making market. Addiction means secured customers.

Including when drugs are sold for accepted use. With the rise of Americas acceptance

of medical marijuana, I feel it was important for me to learn about the drug to be an

aware member of society.

 While I would still refuse to use illicit drugs, this class did help me to understand

the possible positive effects drugs can have for those who need it.