Concepts across various domains and fields
Narcotics and drug abuse is common all over the world. The use of drugs dates back to 5000 BC (all the way up to the New Stone Age). Most drugs, at first were used for medicinal purposes. However, over time, they were introduced as being available for recreational use. It is the recreational use of the drugs, in large doses, that not only harms the user but also the community to which they belong. Most of the drugs have been derived from natural plants and herbs, and mixed with other ingredients to give a soothing, euphoric and relieving effect. One such example is opium.
Illicit consumption patterns and effects
This paper elaborates licit and illicit drugs and their consumption for medical and non-medical uses. The paper tracks the historical developments that enabled drug trafficking become one of the most feared and notorious illicit industries. From 'Golden Triangle' of South-east Asia to New York, the trade supply chain of illicit drugs became multi-billion with different actors involved in corruption, over the counter sales of cocaine to non-medical users, and substance abuse by younger population. This paper also explains the personal use of licit intoxicants and licit drugs and develops an argument regarding the relationship of personal consumption with historical growth of illicit drug trade.