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Time to legalise some drugs?
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dublindude wrote: »Even if you don't die from ecstacy, it has been shown long term use causes dementia in rats.Anyway the reason its illegal has as much to do with people "not being themselves" when they're on drugs than about how harmful it is.
I know people who go fuking deranged on excessive alcohol - they become aggressive, scary nut-jobs. By contrast, they're all loved-up on ecstasy.No one thinks the current system is particularly good, but personally I prefer knowing the average person I meet around me isn't off their heads on something. We already have a ridiculous amount of selfishness/moronic behaviour/scumbags during sobriety.0 -
But I wonder whether a lot depends on the amount of ecstasy one uses. Plus, acid house was two decades ago and the forecasted pandemic of brain meltdown among today's late 30-somethings/40-somethings, who were in the grip of it, has not materialised.
Yep, nothing may happen. We'll find out within our generation anyway.Sorry to trot this one out again, but that could apply to alcohol.
I know people who go fuking deranged on excessive alcohol - they become aggressive, scary nut-jobs. By contrast, they're all loved-up on ecstasy.
People I know who take ecstasy never "only" take ecstasy. They always do some boozing or coke or ketamine as well.
I don't think ecstasy is an innocent drug whatsoever.There's no doubt excessive drug use can turn people into selfish, careless idiots, but (sorry) so can alcohol.
I agree alcohol is ****ed, but we're talking about legalising other mind altering substances...
The sad reality is humans can't be trusted. Legalising drugs would result in chaos. Our society already can't handle alcohol. Just look at the Emergency Rooms every night of the week.0 -
dublindude wrote: »No, I feel sorry for people who take drugs. I've never met someone in their 30's who is a "happy" drug taker - they're always running from something.dublindude wrote: »Even if you don't die from ecstacy, it has been shown long term use causes dementia in rats.
It's not good for you.DublinWriter wrote: »One of the side effects of E is a constant thirsty sensation. Leah Betts wouldn't have drunk the huge amount of water she did if it wasn't for the E she took.
I hope everybody realises that cocaine was once in widespread use in Dublin and was legal, it was available over the counter in pharmacies. Prohibition of drugs is a relatively new concept.0 -
The majority of people 30+ in Ireland take recreational drugs, plenty seem happy to me and not "running" from anything. I have only met 1 person who never took recreational drugs.
I've had the exact opposite experience and I know a lot of druggies. I'm no innocent bunny.
Btw, the majority of people 30+ in Ireland don't take recreational drugs.Yeah in rats, big deal, if you were to ban all possibly harmful substances you would starve since the supermarkets would be bare, toast causes cancer. No need to even list all the harm the most widely used recreational drugs are, number 5 & 9 on the Lancets list, and they are legal!
Oh yeah, I agree, but we're talking about illegal recreational drugs. We're not having a general "what things in life are bad for you" conversation.0 -
I'm for a moderate legalization of drugs (I'm American, so it will never, ever happen here), but I think legalization would have both negatives and positives. While legalizing substances leads to greater control, which can also mean greater safety, one wonders if it would also lead to greater amounts of addiction? Of course, the same logic can be applied to alcohol. Some states in the U.S. regulate the amount of certain cold meds an individual can purchase each week, since they can be used to make meth. I wonder if a similar idea could be applied to other abused substances, such as alcohol and coke, etc. I really think the bottom line is that people are going to abuse substances whether they're legal or not, maybe legalization would at least make the dangers of overdosing decrease.0
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PillyPen wrote:While legalizing substances leads to greater control, which can also mean greater safety, one wonders if it would also lead to greater amounts of addiction?
I think if I knew I could get Government supplied recreational drugs which were guaranteed to be quality, I'd be more likely to take recreational drugs.
I'm sure a lot of people would have a similar attitude as me.
More people taking drugs can only result in more addicts.0 -
Most likely, but it also might mean less deaths for recreational users because the drugs would be safer.0
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dublindude wrote: »I've had the exact opposite experience and I know a lot of druggies. I'm no innocent bunny.
Btw, the majority of people 30+ in Ireland don't take recreational drugs.
Like I said prohibition of drugs is a relatively recent occurrence, I think it bizarre that nothing was learned from the US alcohol prohibition debacle.dublindude wrote: »More people taking drugs can only result in more addicts..
Since you do not drink etc I presume you do not have a strong appetite/desire for experiencing altered states of conciousness, many people do, it is a simple human drive. Many people only have alcohol as this outlet, demonising people who choose to take different mind altering substances, you often see comments like "sure we have drink, surely thats enough", why should there only be one drug of choice, no. 5 on that list. Many take cannabis as a alternative to drink which they consider to be less harmful to themselves.Research published in the medical journal The Lancet rates the most dangerous drugs (starting with the worst) as follows:
1. Heroin
2. Cocaine
3. Barbiturates
4. Street methadone
5. Alcohol
6. Ketamine
7. Benzodiazepines
8. Amphetamine
9. Tobacco
10. Buprenorphine
11. Cannabis
12. Solvents
13. 4-MTA
14. LSD
15. Methylphenidate
16. Anabolic steroids
17. GHB
18. Ecstasy
19. Alkyl nitrates
20. Khat
A writer Jonathan Ott has some good discussion on why drugs became illegal, and asks a question "Why Can't We Cope with Ecstasy and Euphoria?" seems people without a high drive for experiencing altered states are afraid of them for some reason, and think nobody else should have the right to enjoy them0 -
The vast majority of people I know drink, or do you not consider alcohol a recreational drug?
FFS, don't be so childish. We're talking about illegal recreational drugs.
You're not going to win this argument on some language technicality.
Obviously I know most people 30+ drink alcohol.
As you know, we have a serious alcohol problem in Ireland.what would you consider it?
I consider it a recreational drug.
We are talking about illegal recreational drugs.Is your issue more about the harm of drugs on the person or society or are you more worried about legal issues.
I worry about society.
I have no problem with people doing whatever they want to themselves.You brand people "druggies" is that what you would call nicotine addicts and alcohol addicts, or does the legality of the drug make such a difference to your opinion of the person. If somebody illegally enjoys liquer from a bottle which was illegally smuggled into the country are they suddenly a "druggie".
Again, this topic is about illegal recreational drugs in Ireland.
Heroin, ecstasy, etc.
I would have thought that was pretty obvious.Like I said prohibition of drugs is a relatively recent occurrence, I think it bizarre that nothing was learned from the US alcohol prohibition debacle.
You see, this is the difference between you and me.
You are imagining a group of boards.ie nerds innocently taking a few pills or smoking some weed.
Unfortunately the vast majority of Ireland are not responsible nerds.
You need to look at the bigger picture.
Your view of the problem is very simplistic.Since you do not drink etc I presume you do not have a strong appetite/desire for experiencing altered states of conciousness, many people do, it is a simple human drive.
I like getting off my head.
I choose not to as I am ambitious and I find hangovers, etc. are not good for my motivation.
I know there are such things as "functioning alcoholics" but they are rare.
The list of harmful drugs you posted... I'm aware of that list. I made a post about it on boards.ie about a year ago. Yes, I'm aware some drugs are worse than others.0 -
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One case - Leah Betts. The coroner ruled her death was actually due to too much water consumption.
I don't mean to diss you but I think you've been taken in a bit much by moral guardian types. It is possible to do drugs recreationally and be responsible about it - and I have never touched ecstasy/MDMA, cocaine or speed so I'm not speaking from personal bias. The most I'd do is a few drags off a spliff once in a blue moon. I could count on one hand those who have a problem now, and I'd know far more people with a drink problem.
First of all saying 'I don't mean to diss you but' is like saying 'I'm not racist but...'
I've tried splifs and cocaine (once) in college and I didn't see the attraction. So I am not been taken in a bit by moral guardian types. Maybe you should not try so hard to go against moral guardian types.
I've heard of more than one person who has died from ecstasy and saying it was the over consumption of water that killed them is stupid. That is like saying the person did not die in a car crash but going through the windscreen and hitting a tree, after the car came to a sudden stop, killed them.
Of course you know more people who have alcohol problems because it is more widely available. If drugs were consumed to the same extent I'm sure there would be a higher proportion of problems.0 -
dublindude wrote: »FFS, don't be so childish. We're talking about illegal recreational drugs.dublindude wrote: »Obviously I know most people 30+ drink alcohol....
I consider it a recreational drug....
I feel sorry for people who take drugs. I've never met someone in their 30's who is a "happy" drug taker - they're always running from something.
As I said before many people refuse to accept people can take illegal drugs in low controlled doses. Maybe your definition of "drug taker" is not simply anybody who takes drugs. e.g. I have a mate who might smoke a few puffs on a joint once or twice a year, others might take a half E once a year.Unfortunately the vast majority of Ireland are not responsible nerds.I choose not to as I am ambitious and I find hangovers, etc. are not good for my motivation.
I know there are such things as "functioning alcoholics" but they are rare.
Some peoples ambition is simply to enjoy themselves, they may have a high desire to experience altered states so would sacrifice other things, perhaps monetary, in favour of experiencing them.
Economic reasons play a huge part in drug prohibition, the US fearing people turning into the "lazy mexicans" they saw smoking pot. Opening hours in pubs were originally brought in to ensure workers would be OK during the war effort.0 -
Many are discussing alcohol as a valid recreational drug, the most abused recreational drug out there. I find this hand on the ears "la, la, la, I can't hear you" attitude to be childish, it is often used in threads here when arguing about drugs, can't come up with a decent argument so can only manage, "shut up, you cannot mention alcohol".
You think you're being clever, but you're not. Your trick of saying "recreational drugs" when discussing illegal recreational drugs and then claiming you were talking about alcohol is playground stuff.
If you want to talk about alcohol, use the word "alcohol". Don't try to blur things by lumping it into the same group as illegal drugs.
Everyone knows alcohol is a problem. No one is claiming it isn't.
The difference is alcohol is legal. Is it hypocritical that alcohol is legal? Probably.That was what I was questioning before, you consider it a drug, and never met a "happy" drug taker, seemed a very odd statement to me as it includes all drinkers.
Surely it is obvious this topic is about illegal drugs.
When someone says "drugs" they are not talking about Viagra.
Seriously, your argument technique is extremely childish and basic.As I said before many people refuse to accept people can take illegal drugs in low controlled doses. Maybe your definition of "drug taker" is not simply anybody who takes drugs. e.g. I have a mate who might smoke a few puffs on a joint once or twice a year, others might take a half E once a year.
I'm completely aware everyone does everything at different levels.
The problem, again, is that the majority of Irish people are not responsible. I wish they were, but they're not. You cannot give these people legal access to mind altering drugs. There would be chaos.
We already cannot cope with our alcohol problem.
Legalising drugs would be a disaster.0 -
chickenhawk wrote: »I've heard of more than one person who has died from ecstasy and saying it was the over consumption of water that killed them is stupid. That is like saying the person did not die in a car crash but going through the windscreen and hitting a tree, after the car came to a sudden stop, killed them.dublindude wrote: »You think you're being clever, but you're not. Your trick of saying "recreational drugs" when discussing illegal recreational drugs and then claiming you were talking about alcohol is playground stuff.
Psilocybin bearing mushrooms were legal until recently, were they fine before that, and suddenly "bad" overnight? If alcohol was banned tomorrow would you then take your hands off your ears.I feel sorry for people who take drugs. I've never met someone in their 30's who is a "happy" drug taker - they're always running from something.dublindude wrote: »If you want to talk about alcohol, use the word "alcohol". Don't try to blur things by lumping it into the same group as illegal drugs.Legalising drugs would be a disaster.0 -
And the majority of people know the risks with alcohol and driving.
But yet most are unaware about the effects of drug driving. I'm sure if some drugs were legalised there would be an information campaign. Would it work?....probably not. So if drugs were legalised then the death rate on our roads would probably go up.0 -
there is almost as much hysteria about alcohol as there is about drugs. both is rubbish, nobody i know has a problem with alcohol, i have known alcoholics while working in a pub, but thats it. obviously you see junkies/general scum falling around the place, who are obviously what you may call "problem users" so while im not denying its there are people with alcohol problems, i would wager that most people who drink would go through life with no other problems related to alcohol use except for the health effects, which could be said of salt or cholesterol too. the only restriction put on alcohol should be the sale to minors. i also think that the same should be applied to drugs, if you decided to ban alcohol, a certain amount of people would just turn to varnish or glue, you name it. most people ARE responsible, and should be allowed do what they like for the most part.
dya remember when binge drinking had a different name? it was DRINKING!0 -
How
why would anyone buy cocaine cut with rat poison off the local scumbag if they could go to a government run shop and buy top quality stuff?
Rat poison?
Aye, people dropping dead from poisoned cocaine and it being in the papers is a great way to keep your business going. FFS.
The only similiar case I heard of was years ago when a guy who badly needed lawyers fees for his impending trial ordered his son to sell contaminated heroin he had previously buried.
With the Morrocans clamping down heavily on hash and the majority of weed available here being so weak it is not worth buying, the government has no incentive to legalise. The stuff will either be gone within 10-15 years, will be too expensive due to the distace travelled or, in the case of weed, will be of such poor quality nobody will bother buying it.
Cocaine has taken a massive dive in popularity in Dublin compared to its height in 2004 and 2005, it was litreally everywhere. Again, cost and poor quality product meant the trade effectively killed itself.
Some might say they will increase the quality of weed by not mashing so much herbs and sh1te into it.
Cocaine use nosedived. Doesnt mean they cut the amount of mixing of that sh1t did it? Greed always wins out.
Believe it or not, slowly but surely prohibition is working. Even the Dutch will probably tighten their laws within the next few years because, as happened in England with the recent reclassification, it is causing more trouble than it is worth (the Dutch hate the English more than even the Germans. Mainly because they come over for smoking holidays and proceed to also get blind pissed or generally fcuked on coke and the rest).0 -
Tha Gopher wrote: »Rat poison?
Believe it or not, slowly but surely prohibition is working.
gonna go with not. certainly hope it never works0 -
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chickenhawk wrote: »First of all saying 'I don't mean to diss you but' is like saying 'I'm not racist but...'I've heard of more than one person who has died from ecstasy and saying it was the over consumption of water that killed them is stupid. That is like saying the person did not die in a car crash but going through the windscreen and hitting a tree, after the car came to a sudden stop, killed them.
I really don't know of other cases of ecstasy-related deaths, apart from one. It was the person's first time and they were stupid enough to take five Es. Considering the hundreds of thousands of ecstasy users every weekend between here and Britain, it looks like the risk of death is pretty minimal.0 -
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gonna go with not. certainly hope it never works
The government will never in a million years manage to make Ireland a drug free zone. No country ever will. Even in Dubai, where a forgotten single rolled spliff in a Bitish DJs luggage got him four years, you can bet there are people risking it all smoking a few doobs tonight. However you can also bet the stuff is very hard to find given the penalties.
However, with the Morrocans making a good job of their attempt to all but end hash farming by 2012, the dealers selling joke weed and Ireland being too far away to make the importing of Afghan and Lebanese hash on a large scale affordable, the government will eventually win.0 -
Tha Gopher wrote: »The government will never in a million years manage to make Ireland a drug free zone. No country ever will. Even in Dubai, where a forgotten single rolled spliff in a Bitish DJs luggage got him four years, you can bet there are people risking it all smoking a few doobs tonight. However you can also bet the stuff is very hard to find given the penalties.
However, with the Morrocans making a good job of their attempt to all but end hash farming by 2012, the dealers selling joke weed and Ireland being too far away to make the importing of Afghan and Lebanese hash on a large scale affordable, the government will eventually win.
how come columbian coke and afghan heroin can be profitable,but not weed?Prohibition has been in force a century give or take in britain and has had little impact,how do you account for that?0 -
I wasn't trying to belittle you. I shouldn't have bothered.
Those were the coroner's findings in that particular case - over-hydration killed her, not the ecstasy. How is it stupid to state that, when that is what killed her?.
You are right you shouldn't have said it. If you had a good argument you wouldn't have to say it.
The coroners job is to find out the specific cause of death. If a person is stabbed five times but dies of a heart attack before bleeding out then the coroner will state that the cause of death is by heart attack. Everyone knows that the stabbing caused the heart attack but that is technically not the cause of death.
If that person hadn't taken ecstasy then they most likely wouldn't have drank so much water and killed themselves. So stating that the drugs had nothing to do with it is just turning your back on the real cause.0 -
chickenhawk wrote: »You are right you shouldn't have said it. If you had a good argument you wouldn't have to say it.
I believe I have a good argument - that fuk all people die from recreational drug use. According to you they do, and yet you can't provide examples.0 -
Just had to post in this thread!, even if it will just be another big ultimately pointless argument. I'd see myself as a pretty passionate person relating to this, always have to argue when it comes up.
Anyway I'd have to say the chart listing how dangerous various drugs are above is frankly, bs. How could you even meaningfully rank them like that, whats it based on; instant death after ingesting x or y? And besides how could methadone and bupe be ranked differently to H?
All opioid's are essentially equal from a health perspective, Yes that's right that codeine containing box of nurofen plus is just as "evil" (to your physical helath) as a bag of skag .
Heroin, assuming no nasty cuts in it or that you don't get hepatitis from shooting it is basically harmless. Now that's not considering the mental health issues that go with addiction and dependence etc. Nor am I saying that doing H or any drug is a "good" thing but it's also not a "bad" thing, it's just a part of life.
The basic crux of most blanket drug legalistation arguments is that people have free will, and that they will choose to do as they wish when making decisions concerning themselves. And if they wish to experience an altered state then they will and they should legally be able to do so since it is an issue pertaining to themselves and not directly anyone else.
AND anyone still pretending that alcohol is different just because of its legal status is kidding themselves. Maybe so they don't feel like those poor dirty "drug" addicts while downing their pints.0 -
No, I said it because you seem to be taking it personally on this thread when someone has a difference of opinion to yours.
I believe I have a good argument - that fuk all people die from recreational drug use. According to you they do, and yet you can't provide examples.
I don't take it personally I just like to get my point across.
And you are right I have no proof. I'm sure I could look it up on the net and find it. But I don't care. If people want to take drugs let them. If they die I just won't give a sh1t. On the same note if someone dies from alcohol will I give a sh1t?.....no.0 -
:rolleyes: Well then why would you care about drugs being made legal so, if you don't give a sh1t about them killing/harming those useless, no-good, drug-taking villains?
I agree with you nibble. There's such a thing as personal responsibility. It's up to us to be sensible about what we consume.
And yes, alcohol is a drug, and a potentially dangerous one at that. The legal thing is always resorted to - legal or illegal, it's irrelevant when the focus is on the potential damage something can do. And too much alcohol can do a LOT.0 -
There is an article in the Sunday Times today about 1/4 of all heart attack victims (who are under 30) in the UK being the result of cocaine.0
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But heart attacks under 30 are so very rare, a large number of them are bound to be caused by drug misuse.0
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