The drug problem: how is it in your area? (crime, school district)

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I guess I don't understand why any intelligent person would even try it.

I don't think anyone who is truly intelligent is trying heroin. Intelligence is not a widespread human trait. I ascribe to the belief that being educated does not equal becoming intelligent. Stupid people can get through college quite easily these days.

Educated =/= Intelligent

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by AtkinsonDan

I don't think anyone who is truly intelligent is trying heroin. Intelligence is not a widespread human trait. I ascribe to the belief that being educated does not equal becoming intelligent. Stupid people can get through college quite easily these days.

Educated =/= Intelligent

Agreed that there are intelligent people who are not educated and intelligent people who are educated--of course. But the DARE programs in school are usually aimed at all kids and so much effort has been put into making sure kids know the consequences of taking drugs. Beyond that, so many celebrities have died from drug overdoses--the examples are out there for anyone to see. People are aware, yet they turn to drugs anyway. It's pretty sad how our society has failed in this respect.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I guess I don't understand why any intelligent person would even try it.

Because we have raised a society of pansies unable to deal with life's hardships, challenges and disappointments without that quick fix or "escape".

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Because we have raised a society of pansies unable to deal with life's hardships, challenges and disappointments without that quick fix or "escape".

That could be the best answer. They never learned what it was like to lose and so they never learned to cope. The so called Special Snowflakes who got a medal even if they came in last. The ones whose mommy or daddy ran to the school complaining when their little darling got punished for disrupting the class.

Mentally, they never learned how to recover from a mishap or disappointment, never learned to cope.

If that's the answer I can understand how drugs have become so widespread and are everywhere today.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

That could be the best answer. They never learned what it was like to lose and so they never learned to cope. The so called Special Snowflakes who got a medal even if they came in last. The ones whose mommy or daddy ran to the school complaining when their little darling got punished for disrupting the class.

Mentally, they never learned how to recover from a mishap or disappointment, never learned to cope.

If that's the answer I can understand how drugs have become so widespread and are everywhere today.

If that is the answer then the heroin problem is a lost cause because we cannot recondition people from that type of upbringing. It is said that childhood is the time when people are most impressionable. To try to change that mindset in someone else as an adult is probably impossible and I say this as an optimist who has never shied away from a reasonable challenge.

[LeavingMA]

Drugs are a problem everywhere...if you don't think so you have been hiding under a rock.

[scoobydew]

Originally Posted by AtkinsonDan

I don't think anyone who is truly intelligent is trying heroin.

I have to disagree. The causes of addiction are complex and I've seen no research that correlates it to intelligence. In some cases its roots are found in heredity and from growing up in dysfunction. Emotionally unhealthy people can, at the same time, be extremely intelligent. Our society is filled with "functional" people who are addicted to alcohol. Many are very smart and yet, they go out and douse their brains with booze each night. Addiction can progress based on a lot of factors. Some can go from alcohol to pot, to heroin in a short period of time. Others will maintain addiction to a drug on the lower end of the spectrum.

Originally Posted by AtkinsonDan

Educated =/= Intelligent

I agree wholeheartedly. Observations of certain professional people will quickly demonstrate this. Many are highly educated morons. At the same time, just as many tradesmen with no college education show high IQ when tested. Comparatively speaking, very little in the world is black and white.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by scoobydew

I have to disagree. The causes of addiction are complex and I've seen no research that correlates it to intelligence. In some cases its roots are found in heredity and from growing up in dysfunction. Emotionally unhealthy people can, at the same time, be extremely intelligent. Our society is filled with "functional" people who are addicted to alcohol. Many are very smart and yet, they go out and douse their brains with booze each night. Addiction can progress based on a lot of factors. Some can go from alcohol to pot, to heroin in a short period of time. Others will maintain addiction to a drug on the lower end of the spectrum.

I have to agree. I know loads of very very bright people that fell into addiction. Some got out, some didn't. Such a waste for the latter, as they were some of the very brightest people I've met.

[scoobydew]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Because we have raised a society of pansies unable to deal with life's hardships, challenges and disappointments without that quick fix or "escape".

This might explain a lot of things in our society that have become outlets for people to escape reality. I would also apply this in many cases to alcohol use. The hypocrisy is we condemn the heroin addict while we joke lightheartedly about alcoholism.

[scoobydew]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

But the DARE programs in school are usually aimed at all kids and so much effort has been put into making sure kids know the consequences of taking drugs.

This program has been pretty much proven to be ineffective.