The prohibition era, which began in 1920 with the signing of the 18th amendment, was expected to bring an end to the many social problems associated with the consumption of alcohol. However "noble" the intentions of those who gathered this amendment may have been, a number of very serious, unexpected consequences arose. Most importantly, corruption and crime increased, prisons became overcrowded, and organized crime was established. Furthermore, no reduction of the consumption of alcohol was measured. The signing of the 21st amendment in 1933 signaled the end of the "noble experiment." .
Similar effects have been noted as a result of the current prohibition of drugs. Both the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920's and the current prohibition of other drugs have failed to control society's use of the targeted substances. In fact, current research shows that an increase in the consumption of controlled substances has been noted, as a result of the prohibition. In light of these truths about prohibition of alcohol or any other controlled substance, it is clear that prohibition has created a downward spiral in our society. The intended effects of past and current prohibition have actually been reversed, causing an increase in the consumption of the substance in question.
Prohibition has been called the "Noble experiment." The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors. Supporters of Prohibition believed "that it would quickly bring an end to the apprehensions of most Americans for more than a century about the social problems associated with alcoholic intoxication" (McWilliams 1996).
Prior to the enactment of the Eighteenth Amendment, the alcohol business was flourishing. It was a leading factor in the United States economy and in some states alcohol production was even subsidized. Alcohol was purchased regularly for pleasure and a stress releaser from the working mans strenuous days.