An ongoing study of controlled marihuana, psychedelic, and opiate users shows that long-term, moderate illicit drug use is primarily supported by rituals and social sanctions. These guidelines for use, developed by segments of the drug subculture, militate against compulsive use. This work demonstrates the necessity of viewing quality of drug use as a function of sociocultural as well as pharmacological and psychological factors. Findings suggest that a system of social controls similar to that operating for alcohol use could be a more reasonable means of preventing compulsive use than the present prohibition of any and all illicit drug use.
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