Responsibility, not illegalization

Caffeine, nicotine, THC, ecstasy: Have you had your dose today? It seems like each generation is accused of delving into extreme drug use. But the highest rate of drug consumption was in 1979, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Regardless of statistics, there is no escaping the debate over alcohol and drug abuse, with the dividing line resting on responsibility. Most blame the sellers, but much lies at the steps of our capital. By labeling certain substances legal (alcohol or prescription drugs), the government implies a false sense of security for their use, while preventing helpful drugs like marijuana. \nReally, the responsibility rests largely in the hands of the consumer. This is a hard pill to swallow with the recent anniversary of Seth Korona's death. His family and Dean of Students Richard McKaig seem to spread the blame everywhere, forgetting people choose to drink and peers do not apply that much pressure. Distributors often appear heartless. Mixing Red Bull and vodka is just a heartbeat away from catastrophe, as one IU student proved. After this episode, local bars continue to serve the drink -- even advertised as a special in community papers.\nWhile IU ranks fourth in liquor arrests nation wide, it places third in drug arrests, according to a US Department of Education study of four-year campuses in 2000. \nUnlike alcohol, which is commonly accepted and discussed, illegal drugs are shrouded in controversy. In the Jan. 22 death of senior Ross Greathouse from a cocaine and heroin overdose, no family members or school administrators shouted victimization. In these cases, police have found most problems arise when a user has little understanding of a drug and its potency. Isn't this the case for any substance-related death? Why does legality change responsibility? \nThe injustices in drug laws can be seen at every level. \nMcNutt residents were warned in a Feb. 1 letter of harsher penalties for marijuana use.\n"We're trying to help out the people who call and complain," Lt. Jerry Minger told the IDS in a Feb. 12 article. He only specifically mentioned the smell, not noise or any other infringement. The solution should not be through arrests and spending more tax money. Instead, people should wise up and stop complaining; no one is being harmed.\nThe nation's focus is even worse. Prescription drugs are pimped to children through Ritalin and to adults with Valium -- the industry remains supported. Cigarette companies are responsible for deaths every day but are protected because America has good land to grow tobacco and tax money is always welcomed. After collecting revenue from these drugs, a $3.5 million Super Bowl ad stated that buying illegal substances kills Columbian citizens and drugs support terrorism. \nA double standard is shown with a president who continues "the war on drugs," with an under-aged daughter caught in bars and a niece who fills false prescriptions. \nRegardless of personal beliefs, drugs are a permanent fixture in a society where people want release. The focus should shift from enforcement to consistent treatment. Low-income users are sent to jail, while their rich counterparts instead receive treatment for the same addictive substances.\nBreaking down stereotypes is just as important. "Approximately 59 percent of current illicit drug users consume only marijuana," according to the DEA. These are otherwise law-abiding citizens, who function despite "drug" use. People who make substances their life instead of an enhancement give all users a bad name. Still, most substances should be considered for legalization, relying on the responsibility of the average person to better society.