News / Education
Drug Addiction and Prostitution in Tennessee
Not the stereotype of a prostitute
In the article Gina Pierce, a Knoxville Police Department Investigator who has for the last 10 years been dealing with the prostitutes,their clients and drug addiction states:
“Drug addiction plays a key role in street-level prostitution, but it's a mistake to think the problem can be reduced to it”The problem goes much deeper according to Pierce.
The availability of drug treatment programs for these women is decreasing. Public funding for Tennessee drug rehabs is falling and these women have nowhere to turn, except the streets."The women are victims Not only are they subject to the disease and abuse - mental, physical, sexual - but they continue to fall into that cycle of victimization. They have deep problems, they need treatment."
The woman interviewed in the story desperately want to receive drug treatment for her addiction, but due to lack of insurance and no public funds she is unable to receive such treatment.
Crack cocaine is a highly abused and highly addictive form of cocaine which became prevalent in the 80s.
Crack cocaine is smoked and immediately there is central nervous system stimulation lasting about five to ten seconds. This is followed by a severe crash. Intense cravings come from the desire to climb out of the crash and re-create the euphoria. Cravings can be so severe that users do things they would never do otherwise, such as sell all their belongings, steal or sell their body as in the case of the prostitues.
Crack addiction can be severe and can ruin lives.
The good news is that it can be overcome many people successfully conquer crack addiction and go on to lead happy lives given the proper treatment.
