Substance Abuse on Vulnerable United States and Russian Populations

The National Institute of Health states that 39.5 million people in the world are affected by drug abuse. According to the National Institute of Health, a total of 18,013 overdose deaths in Russia, while nearly 108,000 people have overdosed in the United States as of 2024, according to The National Institute of Drug Abuse. This is prevalent due to poor policies, the presence of street drugs, and the stigmas surrounding this problem. This research will entail the different effects drug abuse has on both users and the community. The research will also compare the risks of engaging in drug abuse in Chicago, United States, and Marino, Russia, which are the epicenters of drug abuse, especially in adolescents. Therefore, this paper aims to bring awareness on the issue of drug abuse and its effects in Russia and the United States due to lack of awareness and lack of education. The presentation will also advocate for vulnerable populations who are struggling with addiction to make sure they are aware of the harsh realities of using drugs.