Substance Use

Three distinct kinds of psychoactive drugs can be distinguished based on their medical use, a category that has shifted over time. Historical examples since the nineteenth century show that colonial authorities were once the largest drug traders and even waged war to keep markets open. Cocaine, opium, and nitrous oxide are examined in detail; the legal regulation of nitrous oxide changed while the book was being written. A framework for instrumental substance use is introduced, distinguishing different reasons people use drugs. Common substances are described with their risks and benefits. Important values that can guide moral decisions about drug use are presented.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This chapter starts out with a theoretical discussion of the meaning of “drug”. As it turns out, three different kinds of psychoactive drugs can be distinguished. Central to this distinction is the understanding of appropriate medical use, which is subject to change. Historical examples illustrate how our personal and also governments’ ways to think about drugs changed since the nineteenth century. In the past, colonial authorities were the biggest drug traders and countries even waged war to enforce open markets. Cocaine, opium, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are addressed in detail. The legal regulation of that last substance even changed as the book was being written. The framework for people’s instrumental substance use is then introduced. It distinguishes different reasons for which drugs can be instrumentalized. Several common substances are described subsequently, addressing their respective risks and benefits. The final section presents important values that can guide moral decisions about drug use.