Editorial January 26, 1981 Issue

The drug dilemma: What you can do

NATHAN A. TALBOT

Anyone who thinks that the mushrooming use of drugs isn't of major consequence needs to take a closer look at the facts. A society that becomes drug oriented sooner or later must face up to the toll drugs take in terms of a people's mental haziness, confusion, indirection, and lack of decisiveness.

Not that there isn't some awareness of the dangers of drugs. Many recognize that it's not so easy for society merely to compartmentalize drugs—that is, place a stamp of approval on, for example, alcohol but frown on marijuana. Or warn against heroin but remain unconcerned about pep pills or tranquilizers. There is concern. And there are many laws to control the use of drugs. And there are enormous efforts to stem their international flow. Yet not nearly enough is being accomplished, given the impact of drug use on society. While much of what might realistically be expected—along the lines of human action—is being done, a much more creative solution needs to be added to these efforts.

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