There is an inarguable truth to the concept that, “If there’s no drug in your mouth, you can’t swallow it.” But for many people, this isn’t a realistic approach.
The fact is that most people take drugs (considering that alcohol, nicotine and caffeine are technically drugs – see our Research page for more information). Another fact is that most people who use drugs don’t feel they have a problem with drugs. Even the medical community would not classify many people who use some drugs as having a problem with drugs. People with drug addiction or drug-related problems are a minority in our society (even if the results of their actions may have an exaggerated negative effect on our society).
For some people, problematic drug use can just be a “phase”. Others may be able to practice Harm Reduction and adjust their drug use to a level where they are satisfied with the results.
But some people may find that whenever they take even just one psychoactive chemical into their bloodstreams, all bets are off – they can’t control how many more drugs they may ingest, for how long, and what they may end up doing on the drugs or in pursuit of them.
For these people, IMPACT supports abstinence from all or a specific set of drugs as a productive solution. Likewise, we support abstinence for those who feel the risks of continued drug use are just too great, or the rewards too small. As the saying goes, “The surest way to not get drunk is to not take that first drink.”