Achieving the implausible in the next decade's tobacco control objectives

Abstract

First, to the extent that current drug-related policies embody culturally conditioned fears, simple factual information on the lack of effectiveness of current policies is unlikely to lead to different policies. Indeed, data showing that current policies are not effective in controlling drug use and its adverse consequences may provoke a fear arousal situation in which the most likely response is intensification of the present policies (i.e., if a policy is not working, apply it more intensely.) Second, new policies that might endanger monies for the current nonmedical drug industries or for the illegal drug control/law enforcement industry will provoke strong resistance. This resistance may include the giving of large financial contributions to influence the political decision-making process.