As well as being popular in today's youth culture, drugs have been used for hundreds of years in lots of different cultures around the world. Native Americans introduced tobacco to the Western world by presenting it to Christopher Columbus. Magic mushrooms have been used by people in the Netherlands and in other tribes around the world as a ritualistic drug, helping to invoke 'visionary states and bring about mental and physical healing.' Fenderson, E. (2012). Native Americans are also known for their use of Cannabis. 'Native American use of cannabis was provided when archaeologist Bill Fitzgerald discovered five hundred year old pipes in Morriston, Ontario.' Bennett, C. (1995) These have since been discovered to have had traces of hemp and tobacco inside them. In Native American culture, cannabis was used during their visionary rituals.
In the past year, compared to other, harder drugs, cannabis has been estimated to be the most frequently used by people in the 16 - 59 age range.
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| Sedghi, A. (2012) |
There are many different views on drug use. Some people are entirely against it; some people are all for them. In my opinion, it is up to the person who takes them. If they know what they are doing and fully understand and possible consequences that may arise. I believe that there are a section of people who can't take drugs, including alcohol, recreational. A smattering of people around the world will and do have addictive personalities. These personalities crash horridly with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and even food or exercise. Things that are already potentially addictive, become 100% more addictive to this type of person. They are unable to control their cravings and often become solely independent on that one thing.
For many people, it can destroy their lives, it can turn them into criminals and segregate them from society. Russell Brand is a main advocate for helping people with addictions. Especially when they hit rock bottom. In this brief video clip, he is explaining to MPs how he believes that those with addictions, who have turned into criminals should be helped instead, or as well as punished.
Russell Brand on Sky News - Brand, R. (2012)
I wholeheartedly agree with the points he is making. Of course, criminal actions should be dealt with legally however you cannot entirely blame the person for doing it. Lots of people try recreational drugs, and lots of addicts do not know they have an addictive personality before it is too late and they are in a downwards spiral. I feel that in today's culture, many people do do drugs and that is it something people need to treat carefully. Instead of completely shunning people's choices, it is going to happen anyway. People who are able to do drugs for fun, at parties or otherwise need to know all of the facts and for that to be possible, today's culture needs to become more open minded and teach and offer help to those who want it. If drug addiction was dealt with as an illness and that today's society looked at is with compassion, there would be less drug related injuries, offenses and people would be more willing to step forwards and get help for what they are going through.
Bennett, C. (1995). Visions of a Sacred Tree. Available: http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/1050.html. Last accessed 9th Jan 2013.
Brand, R. (2012). Russell Brand Tells MPs Drug Addiction Should Be Treated As Illness . Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BNNMpkM8AE. Last accessed 9th Jan 2013.
Fenderson, E. (2012). Eight Bizarre Drugs and the Cultures That Use Them. Available: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/12-05/eight-bizarre-drugs-and-the-cultures-that-use-them.html. Last accessed 9th Jan 2013.
Sedghi, A. (2012). Most Popular Drug. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/sep/28/drug-use-age-popular-cannabis. Last accessed 9th Jan 2013.
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