Why Alcohol is generally more accepted and legal compared to hard drugs

 

Let's start by defining alcohol and hard drugs.

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. It is commonly consumed in the form of beverages like beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is typically consumed for its intoxicating effects, and it is legal in many countries for people over a certain age (usually 18 or 21).

Hard drugs, on the other hand, are psychoactive substances that are generally illegal and have a high potential for abuse and addiction. They are typically used for their psychoactive effects, rather than for any potential health benefits. Examples of hard drugs include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. These drugs are typically made from plant materials or synthetic chemicals, and they are often injected, smoked, or snorted.

How can we know this drug is considered and this one isn't?

It's important to note that the classification of drugs as "hard" or "soft" can vary from one country to another and may be influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. What is considered a hard drug in one country may be legal or less strictly regulated in another.

In Nigeria, drugs are generally classified as either hard or soft based on their potential for abuse and addiction, as well as their legal status.

Hard drugs are those that have a high potential for abuse and addiction and are generally illegal. Examples of hard drugs in Nigeria include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The possession, use, and sale of these drugs are generally criminalized in Nigeria and can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment.

Soft drugs, on the other hand, are those that have a lower potential for abuse and addiction and are generally legal or less strictly regulated. Examples of soft drugs in Nigeria include marijuana and codeine, which are commonly used for medicinal or recreational purposes. The possession, use, and sale of these drugs may be subject to certain regulations, but they are generally not as strictly controlled as hard drugs.

It's worth noting that the classification of drugs as hard or soft in Nigeria can vary depending on the specific substance and the context in which it is used. For example, while marijuana may be considered a soft drug in some circumstances, it can also be classified as a hard drug depending on the amount possessed and the purpose for which it is being used.

Why is Alcohol accepted even if it's harmful?

Now that we have a clear understanding of alcohol and hard drugs, as well as the factors that influence their legal status and cultural acceptance, let's delve into the main reason for this topic: why is it that alcohol is generally accepted and legal, while hard drugs like cocaine and heroin are stigmatized and criminalized?

One reason is that alcohol has been around for a long time. Like, a really long time. In fact, the first known production of alcohol dates back to 9,000 BC in ancient Egypt. That's over 7,000 years of shayo🌚! Compare that to drugs like cocaine and heroin, which have only been around for a few hundred years. It's no wonder that alcohol is more culturally accepted - I would've said maybe it's had a lot more time to win us over like marijuana did in Canada, but for the foreseeable future, that can't happen in Nigeria.. Well for other hard drugs not Marijuana, Marijuana is sometimes considered as a soft drug as I mentioned earlier, but only in certain circumstances.... In Nigeria, marijuana is generally considered a soft drug in circumstances where it is used for medicinal or recreational purposes and is not being trafficked or possessed in large quantities.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive substance that is obtained from the Cannabis plant. It is commonly used for its intoxicating effects and has been found to have potential medicinal properties, such as pain relief and reducing inflammation.

Back to the main topic....

Another reason is that alcohol is relatively easy to produce and regulate compared to other drugs. It can be made from a variety of crops, like grains, fruit, and vegetables, and the production process is relatively simple. In contrast, drugs like cocaine and heroin require more complex and expensive production processes, which can make them harder to control and regulate... But in the series Breaking bad, Jesse learnt how to produce meth easily 🌚, I don't know the process involved in the production obviously, but from different research it seems meth is relatively hard to produce, unless it's the "shake and bake," which involves mixing the necessary chemicals in a small container, such like a soda bottle. This method is relatively simple and can be done with relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable materials, making it appealing to small-scale drug producers.... Like Jesse in season 1🌚

But let's be real: the main reason alcohol is legal and other drugs are not is because of their effects on the body. Moderate alcohol consumption has been found to have some potential health benefits, like reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, heavy alcohol use can also have negative effects on the body, including liver damage and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. On the other hand, hard drugs like cocaine and heroin have little known health benefits but are primarily used for their psychoactive effects. These drugs can have severe negative effects on the body, including addiction, overdose, and organ damage. They can also have negative impacts on society, such as increased crime and healthcare costs.