Who's to blame for drug problem?

The closest I've ever come to a drug deal is while watching the movie "Traffic." That is, up until last week anyway. I've never bought or sold any drugs myself, but now, I've watched a friend buy marijuana and I must say, I am so naïve.\nI never realized all the lingo and work that went into a solid drug deal. I went with my friend to her friend's house, where she explained to him what she needed, and when. He made at least six phone calls, used terms such as "quarter" and "pound," terms that I assumed measured money, weight or went together to make sandwiches at McDonald's.\nWithin 20 minutes, she had what she wanted, and we were off. I was totally amazed…and then I realized what an innocent life I live.\nI spent my Spring Break skiing in Colorado. Everyone out there seemed so much more laid back and genuine, but the main thing I really noticed was the accessibility to drugs like marijuana and ecstasy. While I was walking down the street, I had some random guy ask my friends and me if we wanted smack. I couldn't help but laugh at him, but then I thought about the number of people who actually need drugs to get by.\nSunday I watched MTV's made-for-TV movie "Wasted," about the deaths of 17 Plano, Texas, high school students from overdosing on heroin. I've never even seen heroin before, let alone know anyone who does it. The most dangerous things I do include Tequila shots and turning right on red lights.\nMy parents are proud to say that I have strayed from the drug world, even though my Dad still tells me, "Bridget, don't do drugs" when he sees the anti-drug campaigns on television. I'm glad I haven't fallen into the trap, but there are many who aren't so lucky.\nThe drug scene at IU has been of great concern lately. After last semester's bust of several drug rings and more recently, the death of IU student Ross Greathouse, we can't help but ignore the drug culture on campus. When reading about Greathouse, my first impulse was to wonder why or to write him off as another druggie. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt compassion and sympathy.\nThe biggest problem with the drug scene and drug addiction is with who to blame. Is it society's fault? Is it the individual's fault? What about parents, friends or peers? Someone needs to take responsibility, but what is at the root of this evil?\nI guess I can see why it is so easy to become involved with drugs. They say it only takes one time. And here on campus, it can't be that hard to get what you want. Make a few phone calls, meet someone somewhere. There aren't enough cops to prevent the deals. But there are enough cops and, one would think, enough brainpower to know who has the drugs, where they come from, and how to stop the flow from person to person. But then again, we can't find Osama bin Laden.\nWill the drug problem ever be solved? I doubt it. With advanced technology and availability, the drug culture is here for awhile. Instead of tracking the source, we should pay attention to individuals, addictions and prevention. We had one casualty this semester, and one is enough.