Joshua T. Ellsworth, Ph.D.

Criminologist & Researcher

The American Drug Problem


SOCI 312


This course broadly examines the social, health-, and crime-related problems associated with substance use. This class begins by tracing the history of alcohol- and drug-control policy in the United States. It then describes common types of illicit substances and their effects on people’s health and behavior. A large portion of this course covers the relationship among drugs, crime-related behaviors, and the criminal justice system.