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by MadWombat 2373 days ago
> similar cultural affection to hallucinogens, pot or even pure methamphetamines would be less harmful

As someone who lived in a region with heavy meth use, I can tell you that I would much rather deal with drunk people than meth heads. Also, your sentences before this one don't make any sense, "alcohol as a solvent is very similar to many inhalants as a drug" what does that even mean?

> Imagine a sci-fi story where you encounter human settlement that consumes solvent

In your sci-fi story you forgot to mention that this solvent people drink also tastes very good, produces a sense of euphoria, lowers social inhibitions and reduces stress.

> Women wearing high-heels is be another very odd cultural artifact

No, same as your sci-fi story it would not. The reasons behind high heels are sad and ridiculous, but rather obvious. High heels make you look taller, give more definition to your legs and make you look a bit helpless and fragile. All of this is in tune with making females look more attractive in a male dominated society.

2 comments

Illegality increases harmful effects.

Methamphetamines were used legally long time before they became illegal. Paul Erdős was probably the most famous (amphetamine and methylphenidate) user. Using meth when studying was also common.

Methamphetamine derivatives have reentered the society in the form Adderall and other drugs.

> Methamphetamines were used legally long time before they became illegal

Methamphetamine was invented in 20th century. So "long time" is a few decades max.

Nitpick: Invented in the 19th century. Mass manufactured for OTC self-administration from 1921 onward. At least in Germany, available OTC for the next 70ish years. Became prescription-only in 1988, became banned from prescribing in 2008 -- i.e. it's been legal a lot longer than it's been illegal.
While it's obvious to anyone that alcohol does indeed have some desirable affects I don't believe the negatives are acceptable
> I don't believe the negatives are acceptable

And you are perfectly welcome to never drink it. I find the negatives acceptable, so I do drink.

And so I don't, and I encourage others not to.