Drug, Set, Setting

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In Sullum’s chapter, “Strong Drink,” a person’s mindset and the environment they grew up in seems to be key factors on whether some people will become alcoholics or not. In ethnic groups such as the Greek culture, alcohol is familiar and respected. “…children are taught from an early age that drinking has an appropriate time and place, where self-control is expected and excess is frowned upon… (Sullum, 62)” It does not matter the age or surroundings when a drink is presented because if parents heavily influenced their children about drinking, then overtime, drinking should not turn into a problem. Being able to drink responsibly all depends on the environment the person grew up in as well. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board urges parents to discourage alcohol use by those under twenty-one and added, “it’s a crime to sell or give alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 – even your own kids (Sullum, 95).” If parents did not allow their children to drink until they were 21, then how are they going to know what “drink responsibly” means when they are of age? The people that a person surrounds themselves with will either help or break them and as a child, parents are their first role models. While alcohol is easily available to everyone, very few Americans choose to drink all day long. “…perhaps the reason is too obvious to need stating: They have more important things to do. They have responsibilities to employers, family members, friends and neighbors. Failing to meet these responsibilities results in consequences… (Sullum, 98)” Being able to drink responsibly depends on the setting a person is in. Everyone who is in positive setting starts learning how to drink responsibly because of the outcomes they face when they do not. Those who do not drink responsibly might feel like the setting they are in is not even worth saving.

In conclusion, becoming an addict or alcoholic all depends on the mindset and the setting of the person. The effect of a drug gives is the prime motivation for a user but the set and setting have an effect on how the person will use and experience it. Seen in all four readings, both set and setting go hand in hand. Like Dalgarno and Shewan states, “If the “set” and “setting” are correct, the drug itself becomes largely irrelevant and can be used with a higher degree of safety, with the effects being as intended for and expected by the user (264).”

Reference Page:

Rosenberg, Tina. "The Destructive Influence of Imaginary Peers." The New York Times, 27 Mar. 2013.

Dalgarno, Phil, and David Shewan. "Reducing the risks of drug use: The case for set and setting." Addiction Research & Theory 13.3 (2005): 259-65.

Sullum, Jacob. Saying yes: in defense of drug use. New York: J.P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2004.

Weil, Andrew. The natural mind: a new way of looking at drugs and the higher consciousness. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin, 1975.

Zinberg, Norman Earl. Drug, set, and setting: the basis for controlled intoxicant use. New Haven, CT: Yale U press, 1984.