DRUG EDUCATION NOT PREVALENT ENOUGH

In general, drug culture in our society is at the beginning of a boom age,
and it sincerely frightens me because I don't think we are aware of or
ready for the immediate and long term effects of the new drug age. By "we"
I mean everyone on all levels, from the pharmaceutical industry to your
average Joe who is popping Zanex and Valium daily.

The sheer number of substances that are available and used every day by
nearly everyone is astounding: Prozac, Ritalin, marijuana, Viagra, Ecstasy,
LSD, nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, Phen-Phen, Ketamine, alcohol and the list
can go on and on since there are literally thousands of designer drugs that
someone just "invented" in a lab somewhere. My concern is with people who
use any type of drug without first educating themselves on exactly how it
works and what it does. This is a tricky thing because it is easy to take
another person's word on safety--from a doctor giving a prescription, on
the relatively informed end, to a friend passing you a couple of red gel
tabs, on the not-so-enlightened end.

On the pharmaceutical side of the scale, the system seems to be safe since
everything is thoroughly tested and scrutinized. But how do you really know
what the long-term effects of any new drug are? A powerful pharmaceutical
company probably has lobbyists at the FDA and can put serious pressure on
new drug approval. Do you trust these people with your health?

On the street side however, things are even gloomier simply because the
substances need to run underground, and there is a whole taboo quality to
the scene. For example, what do you know more about: how Viagra works on
your body or how LSD works on your mind? Of course you have seen the ads
for Viagra with the cute molecular explanation of how it works and all its
side effects and interactions.

Now where is the brochure for LSD, because there are a lot of people using
it who have no source of education. Perhaps we should ask the CIA, since
they have done extensive testing on this and many other drugs. Why can't
the government put out a brochure with truthful, objective information
rather than slather us with distorted information in these "Don't Do Drugs"
ads.

The fact of the matter is that people are going to take substances into
their bodies for various reasons. Education is vital to the ensurance of
their health and well-being and should be available regardless of the
legality issue.

At the dawn of this drug age it is important that we proceed with caution
and intelligence rather than recklessness and ignorance. Know what you are
putting into your body and be sure that you know if you really want to.

This is part one of a series of drug related articles. Next week I would
like to explore the problem of legality and the illegitimate "war on drugs."

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and be educated on your intoxication until we
meet again.

If you want some excellent information on LSD and other street drugs go to:

http://www.harmreduction.net/dancesafe/index.html

Check out the excellent Ecstasy Slide Show!