It is a deterrent because its an obstacle. Obviously. But its efficacy is unremarkable- many people will buy it on the black market even though some will not. Those who do not go to the black market will find a substitute. Always. And the use of that substitute creates more problems than it solves. This substitute can be a synthetic drug, or it can be some other good/service that satisfies the addict's craving, such as porn or gambling or some other risky behavior that induces a dopamine rush.
When you look at it on an aggregate scale, not a single person who wants something will go home empty handed. They will find a way to get what they want, or they will find a substitute. There is *no* other alternative.
The demand for one good/service will simply be transferred to another industry if the good/service cannot be had. Always.
Do you think that someone who wants to buy drugs will change their life for the better simply because the drug is illegal to get? Never. They will buy the drug illegally, or they will find a substitute: i.e. a surrogate drug.
Is it normal to think all drugs should be legal?
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It is a deterrent because its an obstacle. Obviously. But its efficacy is unremarkable- many people will buy it on the black market even though some will not. Those who do not go to the black market will find a substitute. Always. And the use of that substitute creates more problems than it solves. This substitute can be a synthetic drug, or it can be some other good/service that satisfies the addict's craving, such as porn or gambling or some other risky behavior that induces a dopamine rush.
When you look at it on an aggregate scale, not a single person who wants something will go home empty handed. They will find a way to get what they want, or they will find a substitute. There is *no* other alternative.
The demand for one good/service will simply be transferred to another industry if the good/service cannot be had. Always.
Do you think that someone who wants to buy drugs will change their life for the better simply because the drug is illegal to get? Never. They will buy the drug illegally, or they will find a substitute: i.e. a surrogate drug.