There is a Discrepancy Between What is Actually Harmful and What is Made Illegal

Controlled Substances Act (CSA) developed out of concern with the influence of narcotics in American life. The drugs are ranked based on their usefulness in medical treatment, and their potential for abuse. Or, are they? Listen in to this opiate recovery support group as they discuss the discrepancy between what is actually harmful and what is made illegal. 

Discussion Guide:

Why are some drugs illegal, and others are not?

What is the Controlled Substances Act? How many scheduled classifications are there?

Is the aim of CSA to protect individuals and the public, or something else?

In spite of extensive harm that comes from alcohol and tobacco, why isn't they classified in the Controlled Substances Act? 

In your opinion, what substances cause the most harm to the individual and others? What classification are these substances? 

Which substances are the least harmful to the individual and others?

Do you believe the scheduled classifications match the level of harm for each substance? 

Supplemental Reading:

Nicole Lee and Jarryd Bartle, http://theconversation.com/history-not-harm-dictates-why-some-drugs-are-legal-and-others-arent-110564

David DiSalvo, Study Reveals What Binge Drinking Could Be Doing To Your DNA, https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2019/01/30/study-reveals-what-binge-drinking-could-be-doing-to-your-dna/#22afec545d7a