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A buzzhead is a buzzhead and ever shall be. When the meth epidemic is over it will be another drug that replaces it. I'm almost 50 and have watched the drugs, sex, and rock 'n roll generation move along a path that is annihilistic in nature. Now their children join them. I have lost more than several friends to this way of life.
Every ten years or so a new drug takes front stage. The new drug is usually easier to obtain than the last. It will be easier to transport and hide. And it will be cheaper to produce. Each and every time it is an epidemic. The 'war on drugs' as it is fought now will NEVER be won. It is a huge waste of time and money. The only solution comes in each individual who decides to live this lifestyle or not.

So... why would anyone choose to live the lifestyle of addict? I believe it all comes down to two things: genetics and happiness. I also believe that it ends in two ways: quitting or death. (I also count death of the spirit.)
The genetic influence is a major factor to usage. If you have a parent, sibling, aunt, etc. who uses; the likelihood of you trying to cop a buzz is greatly increased. If you are unhappy you will be more likely to use as well. Combine unhappiness with genetic predisposition and it is a lethal mixture.
Since most of us are rational individuals you would think that the choice between quitting or not would be simple, but it is not. I offer this solution for speculation.. Adopt a program of healthcare available to ALL. Make the usage of drugs legal if monitored and freely obtained by legal means through this healthcare system. This will make several things happen. First, this will lesson the need for dealers because of such easy access and no profits to be made by them. You, in essence, take away their customer base.
Secondly, all those casual users who actually still make a living and support their families no longer go to jail. The costs of supporting their family and them do not become a public funds problem.
Third, and I think most important, the drugee, addict, buzzhead, etc. is no longer shamed into a corner with no way out. The buzzhead can remain a buzzhead and be taken through a program to help contain the problem and remain alive and useful to society and learn to do withOUT a buzz. Problems that contribute to the need to use are solved. Problem-solving skills are formed and passed along to the children who then become more capable of avoiding the usage problem.
-A way out of the epidemic for good. Controlled and contained for generations to come.

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