There are moments when I want to say that altering our consciousness almost seems to be a basic human need. In any case, it's one that has persisted the entirety of human existence and I'd say is unlikely to change anytime soon. I personally favor harm reduction models where safer and healthier drugs and more controlled environments would allow people to get their needs met without the huge personal and societal fallout we have now.
I completely agree with you. However, our culture has a long way to go before it becomes tolerant of even acknowledging such a need. Americans still believe needle exchanges encourage drug use.
It amazes me that in some countries addicts are able to go to clinics to receive a dose of whatever their substance is--they just go in, sit down, and have an experience in a safe place. That's the far end of the other side of the spectrum. (I believe one of those countries might be Holland.)
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Date: 2009-08-24 09:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-08-27 11:02 am (UTC)It amazes me that in some countries addicts are able to go to clinics to receive a dose of whatever their substance is--they just go in, sit down, and have an experience in a safe place. That's the far end of the other side of the spectrum. (I believe one of those countries might be Holland.)
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Date: 2009-08-25 11:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-08-27 11:03 am (UTC)