Optimal drug use and rational drug policy - Miller - 2011 - Article

The article suggests  a different perspective on the use of drugs, namely that they are a normal part of human life. The reason for that is the big discrepancy between the evolved human nature and demands of the modern society. 

The main approaches regarding drug policies debates are the Criminal Justice Model, Public Health Model and Libertarian model. The first one is about prohibition of drug use. The goal of the Public health model is moderate use of drugs whereas the last model encourages usage of drugs for happiness purposes.

What is this article about?

The article suggests  a different perspective on the use of drugs, namely that they are a normal part of human life. The reason for that is the big discrepancy between the evolved human nature and demands of the modern society. 

The main approaches regarding drug policies debates are the Criminal Justice Model, Public Health Model and Libertarian model. The first one is about prohibition of drug use. The goal of the Public health model is moderate use of drugs whereas the last model encourages usage of drugs for happiness purposes.

The article advocates both the Public health and Libertarian models. The benefit-maximization train of thought suggests that we are miss-drugged and under-drugged, but not over-drugged. It is thought that legalizing more diverse options of drugs will lead to both greater individual happiness and educational/economic achievement. Leary suggests that psychologists could better understand the nature of perception if they tried hallucinogens themselves. For instance, LSD trips might lead to useful insights and clinical empathy in behavioral scientists. 

Rational drug policies would allow every person to use psychoactive drugs as long as he does not harm other people. In other words, all drugs should be legal unless their benefit/cost ratio is zero. Furthermore, learning how to use drugs effectively should be taught, starting from adolescence. Education should include opportunities for exploring effects of different drugs – both benefits and risks. Furthermore, research should make it a priority to discover beneficial drugs for dealing with problems in daily life.