Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.
A closer look into recorded history reveals that societies have sought to establish means to regulate various psychoactive substances including marijuana, alcohol and nicotine. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.In particular, policies have been enacted seeking to regulate the manner in which these substances are advertised, priced, sold and used.
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Yet, we all know too well that humans have gone lengths
seeking to get such substances. This is despite the fact that persons have recognized the problems
that accompany the habit of psychoactive substance use since ancient periods. For this reason,
this article suggests that the social policy with regard to legalizing or making illegal some of
these substances should center on controlling their availability.
Past research suggest that persons opting to use psychoactive substances are well aware
of dangers posed by such substances. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper. This indicates that social policies meant to educate and or create awareness among members of a society may not be beneficial after all (Room, 3-4).
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Worth noting is that most (if not all) psychoactive substances are addictive, and many users claim that they are beneficial. However, modern science has evidenced that the substances often lead to
severe effects on users and the society in general. The problems associated with substance use are felt most severely at the local level. All in all, this point to the fact that social policy about
availability of these substances can prove effective. Counterarguments often cite that limiting or
banning the substances will hurt an economy (Nelson, 9-6). For instance, tobacco products
contribute considerably –in terms of taxes- to American economy. However, tobacco related
health problems also prove quite costly due to increased cases of cancer and other diseases. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.This vindicates the suggestion that social policies on psychoactive substances ought to focus on their
availability.
Past social policies have been based on raising prices through increased taxes but it is
evident that the substances continue wrecking havoc in our society. Most likely, the
government/society has embarked on such means to raise tax collection – notably lacking in
controlling the harm associated with psychoactive substances (Nelson, 9-16). Alcohol, in
particular, has seen prices rise remarkably over the years as societies seek strategies for reducing
harm. Indeed, American society has witnessed advertising bans on alcohol. Nonetheless,
availability of these substances has meant that persons continually abuse the substances with the
society on the receiving end in terms of unhealthy habits among members. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.Such facts indicate that policies on availability are best suited to reduce the harm caused by these substances. If the
social policies can focus on controlling availability of these substances, worth noting is that the
government or society is enabled to specify the requirements as far as places of sale are
concerned, forbid sale to specified classes of clients and limit retail opening hours among other
measures (Room, 2-5). Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.
All in all, social policy with regard to legalizing or banning some or all of these
substances should revolve around their availability. Throughout the society, arguments for and
against psychoactive substances at least recognize that they are widespread despite the dangers
associated with their use. It follows that social policy on availability represents a good balance
between proponents and opponents because the government can specify the requirements with
regard to places of sale, forbid sale to specified sets of customers plus limit retail opening hours.
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Consequently, controversies and debates (for instance underage use of alcohol) surrounding the
impacts of these substances are likely to be minimized. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.
Work cited
Nelson, Jon P. Cigarette Demand, Structural Change, and Advertising Bans: International
Evidence, 1970-1995. Contributions to Economic Analysis & Policy 2 (2003): 1-
28. http://www.bepress.com/bejeap/contributions (electronic journal).
Room, Robin. Social Policy and Psychoactive Substances. Foresight Brain Science, Addiction
and Drugs project, n.d. Also available http://www.dti.gov.uk/assets/foresight/docs/brain-
science/social-policy.pdf. Psychoactive Substances Research Paper.