Dear President,

I would like to address you concerning a massive epidemic that is sweeping our country; drug and alcohol abuse. Now, I’m sure you are very aware of this topic and I completely understand there are many more problems on your plate that you have to worry about. The thing is though President, I know you can do something to reduce this national issue. I am a junior in high school and live in a small populated town. There have been countless times in my city alone I have heard police reports of teens and adults in trouble with drugs and alcohol. A family friend of mine ruined his college career because he was abusing drugs. He was accepted into a school with a great scholarship and the school denied him because of his addiction. Even people who don't abuse these substances are still being affected by those who do. I understand President that you can’t completely clean the country of drugs and alcohol, but this issue is corrupting our nation’s future and government action needs to take place in order to reduce these issues.

In 2013 it was estimated that in one month 24.6 million Americans ages 12 and older abused at least one drug. I think one of the worse things about this statistic is that the age range starts at 12. I don't know about you, President, but it’s painful to think there are kids as young as 12 years old putting harmful substances in their body. The youth of this nation are our country's future. If we don't watch out for our youth now, then how are they going to know how to watch over our country? Not only is our nation's future being put at risk; our safety is too. Approximately 60% of individuals arrested for most types of crimes test positive for illegal drugs. Also, in cases involving domestic violence, 500,000 cases involve a drunken abuser. It's sad to think 500,000 of these cases were caused just because the abuser had a little too much to drink. It's almost like the domino effect, if you really think about it. First illegal substances or alcohol hurt the person themselves, then family members, others around them, and then lastly our country.

Some people may agree that it is not our nation’s problem to worry about the substances people put in their body, but only working together is going to truly end this madness. I know we offer rehab centers for people, but some people may worry about the money involved. Maybe our country could invest in help that people can afford. We need to spread the awareness. I also think the law enforcement could have harsher punishments. Now I’m not saying the electric chair, but they need more than just a slap on the hand. The people that abuse substances need to know the consequences of their actions. So it’s up to you President, our nation’s future is in your hands.

Wish you the best of luck,

Lexi