Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson, a former editorial manager of Boston.com, the Boston Globe’s on-line news site, created and heads her own Internet consulting firm. In the following viewpoint, Johnson argues that the problem of substance abuse is widespread in American society, resulting in huge economic and human costs. According to Johnson, drug abuse not only harms individuals who use drugs, but also contributes to social problems such as domestic violence, child abuse, and crime.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Johnson, how can a mother’s drug abuse during pregnancy affect her child?
2. How do drugs and alcohol adversely affect the school environment, as explained by the author?
3. What percentage of illicit drug users are employed, as reported by Johnson"

Some 18 million Americans abuse or are addicted to alcohol...