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Keywords: age, race, gender, illegal drugs, strain theory, labeling theory, socioeconomic status

Drug abuse is the habit of using drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and hallucinogens marijuana. It is rampant in both adolescents and adults because most people only take pleasure in doing illegal things. People use drugs to the extent of developing dependence and addiction. Illicit drugs are harmful to users as well as people who associate with them. For instance, heroin and marijuana are potential causes of mental illness when used over long periods of time. They also cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and sleeping problems. Symptoms such as mood swings are most likely to affect how addicts associate with to people.

Strain theories linked with illegal drug abuse are factors in the society that put pressure on individuals regarding expecting great outcomes in their lives. However, when people fail to live up to these expectations, they feel the urge to let out their frustrations by abusing drugs. When people earn less than the amount needed to fend for their families, they become frustrated and turn to drugs for solace. Also, societal gender expectations drive people to abuse drugs once they fail to live up to the expectations.

On the other hand, labeling theories are stereotypes and people with specific characteristics that make them potential drug addicts. It makes all people with similar traits become labeled as drug users even though they are not. For instance, people may stereotype a specific age group or race as drug users, and in most cases, these assumptions make those suspected choose to abuse drugs to prove a point. This paper aims at exploring strain and labeling factors that drive people into illegal drug abuse.