Our society seeks to create and maintain conditions in which each of its members may develop his or her potentialities to the fullest extent. A premium is placed on individual choice in finding self-fulfillment. Whether or not this goal is attainable, however, depends upon the capacity of citizens not to abuse their freedom and upon their willingness to act responsibly toward others and toward society as a whole. Responsible behavior, through individual choice, is both the guarantor and the objective of a free society. Drugs and Social Responsibility Use of drugs, in itself, is not an irresponsible act.
Medical uses are often important in restoring physical and mental health.
Sacramental use in connection with bona fide religious ceremonies may enhance rather than impair the celebrant's spiritual well-being. In therapeutic and religious settings, the purposes of drug use are defined precisely by specified persons who, through tradition and training, have the expertise and authority to structure the experience and minimize the risk. In contrast, when the individual defines his own need, whether it be pleasure, relaxation, escape or an effort to expand awareness, there are no external limits on his drug use. Although most individuals can be expected to structure their drug taking, the, risk of irresponsibility and adverse individual and social consequences increases with self-defined use. The potential public impact of drug-induced behavior and drug dependence is great enough that society cannot afford to be neutral.