Commonwealth Policy Center

A recent headline of an online newspaper said, “Christian Co. Grand Jury Indicts 40 on Drug-Related Charges.” The list included both men and women. They ranged in age from 21 to 59. And all but one were involved with dealing in meth. Another headline from a few months ago revealed the biggest crackdown of opioids in U.S. history. This time it was from 60 licensed doctors and pharmacists in a multi-state area. The ring reportedly prescribed and distributed some 32 million pain pills to patients. It’s clear that America has a drug crisis—one we’re all concerned about. We spend billions on law enforcement, prevention programs and rehab for our loved ones who get hooked. While these are important, we have yet to ask the most important question which is why are so many turning to drugs in the first place?