I am analyzing a photograph taken in Afghanistan in July 2010. Afghanistan is a place where a very large portion of the population is addicted to heroin and other drugs. This country is torn apart by all the wars and fighting that have occurred there. It is so difficult for farmers to earn enough to support their families, so they are forced to grow illegal plants and sell them for a profit. Militant groups also finance themselves through the sale of these drugs. Not many users in Afghanistan know about the dangers of blood-borne diseases such as HIV or AIDS. The country is simply too poor to afford education on these issues. The image shows how an old dirty rag has been tightly wrapped around the bicep of the arm and a needle is inserted into the man's vein. The chances are very high that the needle is dirty and has been used previously. Infection is another risk for them due to the filthy conditions in which they live. This image was taken to show how drugs can affect the environment a person lives in by appealing to the pathos, logos and ethics of the viewer. This photograph helps to show the environment and conditions that IDUs (injecting drug users) face. The needles used are shared between several people to inject the drug and with each other. They don't take the time to sterilize needles between people. This is how blood-borne pathogens spread along with other germs from where the needles are stored. If drugs don't kill them, diseases will. Both men have dirty hands and wear old, filthy clothes. The room they are in is dark, unfinished and most likely damp and cold. The cinder block walls are cracked and dilapidated with a hole in...... middle of paper ...... they were able to buy better clothes, have better hygiene and have furniture for their home. Because of their poor judgment, they have to forgo these basic accommodations that could help them live a much healthier and more comfortable life. Drugs can impact anyone's life due to the poor decisions they make. These Afghans do not know the consequences of using drugs or sharing needles and will ultimately suffer most when they contract diseases. Since all their money is spent on these drugs, they will have nothing left to live on. Lack of money will most likely lead them to live on the streets. This can be a very bad thing in winter, illness and death are possible consequences of the weather. This image was taken to show how drugs can affect the environment they live in and the lifestyle they lead.