Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse - A Rational Approach to the Issues of Drug Use.

- MAMA -
A Rational Approach to Drugs

Over the last sixty years, the number of available drugs has increased tremendously. The pharmaceutical industry is huge, highly profit-motivated, and uses sophisticated advertising techniques to create a market for its products. The use of these drugs is glamorized, with little effort made to warn people of negative side effects.

During this time, governments in the United States and elsewhere have spent hundreds of billions, possibly as much as a trillion dollars, in a high profile campaign to keep us "safe from drugs". Despite this vast effort, in today's society there are high levels of alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse and abuse, and disease and death caused by nicotine and excessive consumption of over-the counter drugs. MAMA feels that the focus on illegal drugs as the "bad" drugs, gives the false impression that legal drugs are safe and "good".

(click here to see a larger version of this poster, with sources )

More people are killed by aspirin, ibuprophen, and tylenol than by methamphetamine, yet very few of the consumers of these everyday drugs understand the risks involved. Simple education is lacking for drugs that are used by millions. Instead of demonizing a small number of illegal drugs, we should be realistic about all drug use, and teach people how to make responsible choices, and how to reduce risks when a drug is used.

Most people will not intentionally cause themselves harm. If people are taught how to make good decisions and provided with accurate information, most will act wisely. When given honest information about how all drugs work and what they do, even children can appreciate the dangers. MAMA's Drug Consumer Safety approach teaches a decision making process that applies to any use of any substance.

With regard to intoxicating and recreational drugs, there are many ways that we could manage their use that would not cause the harm done by legal prohibition. To begin with, we must teach adults and youth the social skills they need to attain satisfaction in their lives, without resorting to substance abuse.

MAMA believes we need to:

Judge all drugs by the same standard.
Teach basic drug consumer safety and provide complete and accurate information about all drugs.
Provide requested treatment for all drugs
Provide anonymous referral for help regarding drug related problems
Question techniques of advertising all drugs and advertising's effects on the entire population.
Advocate for programs that teach people . the social skills to provide for their basic needs, e.g. adult literacy, job training, language classes, and the like
Teach communication and decision-making skills.
Teach parenting skills, so we can raise our children to have a positive self image.
Teach people how to plan and implement affordable, fun activities

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