• Scientific Evidence: Knowledge vs. Myths
• How many people are we talking about:
  • Proportion of general population that uses a particular substance
  • Frequency of Use
• What are the Risks Involved
  • Odds of Harm, and the fact that most aren't harmed
  • Dependency
  • Crime
  • Overdose (OD)
  • And, To What are these Risks Related?
• Who, in particular, is using (teen vs. adult drinking; gender)
  • Social Norms and Context--Groups Influence Behavior ("Birds of a feather flock together").
  • Subcultures, Gender, Race, Age, and Class differences
• Socio-Political and Economic Structures: Capitalism, Profit, Power, and Control
• Legality vs Illegality: An Artificial (socially constructed) Distinction
• Potential Positive Effects: Medical Utility (Marijuana, MDMA)
• User's point of view: Subjective experience (Most use because they like the effects==> Pleasure)
• AND, Most Importantly: Most people who use drugs (of any kind) do so in a relatively controlled manner.

There are many important subjects related to drugs for us to talk about...

So, let's do it!

We just can't pretend that it is not a problem, since it affects the whole society.