Not sure of your location, but it seems many rural areas have turned completely to vice. It seems every other new business is a smoke shop, dispensary, bar, tattoo parlor, etc. Many other businesses are shutting down, like bowling alleys, hobby related stores, etc. And gambling has been added to some that stick around, including stuff like "skills based" games.
But the most obviously bad change I've seen is the drugs. I think they're also partially responsible for the popularity of gambling due to hopelessness and how bad things have gotten in some areas.
Edit: I should add that the other 50% of business seem to be fast food and dollar stores.
Primarily, I agree. However, I think there is a secondary effect once it's wide enough spread that others start to think things are hopeless, or the crime and broken homes from the drug use erode the hope of others.
I dont think so. I believe The starting point is often mostly functional people, Some of these have major problems which are struggling to manage.
Drugs can lead to a decent path with the end stage of hopelessness and massively more problems than they started with.
I think early intervention is possible, and how it works for the vast majority of people. Not everyone who has a beer or line of coke starts off miserable and hopeless. That's later, after they have Dui's, lost jobs, broken relations, and failing health.
Problem is you are talking about grandpa in the areas OP is talking about, while OP is talking about the third gen addicts that never got any early days, just a life of always living with (others) addiction, and now their own.
People who are not hopeless tend to care more about their jobs and relationships and thus can prioritize stopping easier. They also have a lot less of a need for the relief that drugs offer.
But the most obviously bad change I've seen is the drugs. I think they're also partially responsible for the popularity of gambling due to hopelessness and how bad things have gotten in some areas.
Edit: I should add that the other 50% of business seem to be fast food and dollar stores.