[Coffee.]

Sorry, I didn't explain myself much. Here's a longer explanation.

I'm not against needle-exchange programs or other harm-reduction mechanisms, I'm actually very for them. For example, the bar I went to this week has a service that they'll let you park free overnight as long as you don't drive home drunk. Although in theory, we wouldn't want people drinking too much, this is better than driving drunk, and it's a great service they are providing. We have been trying to make less addictive mind-altering substances for years, and they have not worked. Every recent opiate is an attempt to make pain killers less addictive but just as effective, this didn't just happen in the 1800's. :P I don't see making "less addictive" mind-altering substances a good alternative. I mean, if this guy has a brilliant formula that is destined to be genius, I'm not completely arguing against it. But due to my knowledge of public health and addiction (about to explain below), I doubt the effectiveness.

We need to study what sociobehavioral predispositions cause people to turn to addiction. Why are some people more likely to abuse alcohol? For example, my uncle is an alcoholic, and was astounded that my father was able to go to a basketball game recently on a ticket that got him unlimited beers and only have one. Despite what you all are saying, lots of people can do this. Sure, addiction is common and nothing we should ignore. But I'm an of-age student in college and I go out with many friends that have one or two drinks and can completely control themselves. There are many studies through a variety of universities, but in particular, I can think of one through Columbia University that emphasizes that addiction is not a simple construct. Not everybody has the capability to be addicted to drugs, even the most addictive ones. There are genetic components. There are also emotional components. For example, those dealing with stress triggers (a death in the family, a failure on midterm, etc) are more likely to turn to them as coping mechanisms. We need to study why addiction happens and how we target preventive strategies in a constructive way. For example, if we find emotional issues (such as predispositions for depression/stress, etc) as a common issue, we can help these people find better behavioral coping mechanisms. If we notice genetic predispositions, we would be able to test for who is at risk. I don't see throwing new drugs into the mix as a useful tactic; however, if somebody can find some scientific evidence in its favor, let me know. I'd love to see different perspectives, I've just seen nothing in the literature about this.