Illegal Drugs

Mexico’s Neighborhoods on Front Lines in Drug War

Border and non-border residents report near equal exposure to gangs, drug sales

March 12, 2008

More than half of the citizens of Mexico (51%) say there are gangs where they live and 38% say drug trafficking takes place in their neighborhoods.More ...

Little Change in Public's View of the U.S. Drug Problem

More than 7 in 10 Americans say nation's drug problem is very serious

October 19, 2007

A recent Gallup Poll finds most Americans saying illegal drugs in the country are a very serious problem, but substantially fewer Americans -- about than 3 in 10 -- say drugs are a problem in their community. Roughly one in three Americans say the government has made progress dealing with the problem of illegal drugs in the past two years. Perceptions about drugs are related to household income and gender.More ...

Families of Drug and Alcohol Abusers Pay an Emotional Toll

Alcohol addiction just as upsetting as drugs

August 25, 2006

The vast majority of those whose family members have had addiction problems say the addiction has had either a major or minor negative effect on their own mental or emotional health. Immediate family members -- particularly spouses -- are most likely to suffer negative effects on their emotional or mental health. Whether the substance involved is alcohol or drugs makes little difference in attitudes among family members.More ...

Poll: Only About Half of Addicted Family Members Sought Treatment

Most who sought treatment made a complete recovery or got better

August 18, 2006

The recent USA Today/HBO Family Drug Addiction poll finds that only about half of Americans who have had a family member with an addiction say their family member ever sought treatment. However, most who sought treatment got better or completely recovered. Respondents whose family member completely recovered attribute family support or pressure, self-determination, or health scares as the major factors assisting that recovery.More ...

Addicts' Family Members Say Lack of Willpower Top Addiction Factor

Ease of obtaining drugs or alcohol and psychological illness also cited as top factors

August 11, 2006

Gallup recently conducted a survey in conjunction with USA Today and HBO to examine the effect alcohol and drug addictions have on the immediate families of past or present addicts. The chief factors in these addictions, according to the family members of addicts, are a lack of willpower, the ease of obtaining drugs or alcohol, and psychological illness. One in three respondents says the addicted family member was evaluated for a psychological illness.More ...

Americans With Addiction in Their Family Believe It Is a Disease

Most believe complete recovery possible

August 11, 2006

A recent Gallup Poll of U.S. adults who have had a family member addicted to drugs or alcohol finds that most of these people believe that addiction is a disease. Respondents believe the disease is both a physical and psychological disease, but are optimistic that people with drug or alcohol addictions can completely recover.More ...

Who Supports Marijuana Legalization?

Support rising; varies most by age and gender

November 1, 2005

Since the late 1960s, Gallup has periodically asked Americans whether the use of marijuana should be made legal in the United States. Although a majority of Americans have consistently opposed the idea of legalizing marijuana, public support has slowly increased over the years. Where is the support coming from?More ...

Steroids a Strike Against Baseball

Eight in 10 fans believe performance-enhancing drugs at least a serious problem for the game

August 12, 2005

Baltimore Orioles slugger Rafael Palmeiro's 10-day suspension for testing positive for steroids has ended. However, a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll shows fans are split on whether Palmeiro, who denied ever having used steroids in congressional testimony earlier this year, should be elected to the Hall of Fame.More ...