It is clear that while under the influence of any mind- altering drug, one has decreased control of one s actions. It is often the main factor in occurrences of assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and physical abuse in general. Date rape is often caused by aggressive sexual behavior brought on by drug consumption. A complete list of social problems exacerbated by drug use is too long to include in a pamphlet of this length. Unfortunately, while use of illegal drugs is combated, consumption of alcohol and tobacco is promoted.
Corporations consistently deny that the products they sell are dangerous.
Cigarette manufacturers, for example, claim that cigarettes are neither a threat to the consumer s health nor addictive,9 despite scientific proof to the contrary. In the American South, where tobacco is an important industry, congressmen are forced to support the tobacco corporations or face expulsion from office. The corporations placate the would-be opposition in government with money, which allows them to manufacture their products unquestioned. Indeed it is only a minority of government officials who have been fighting the tobacco industry. The products and their health-hazards, however, are only part of the picture.