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Comment by foolinaround | Hacker News Reader

since we are addressing the root cause in this sub-thread, i submit that we need to go one layer deeper than just the 'war on drugs'

what causes individuals to seek drugs or other harmful substances? Surely,similar substances existed throughout history? (maybe not as lethal, but still...)

I think it is the despair and lack of spiritual fulfillment for a person, and i think this coincides with what has been a failure in religions to make a relevant impact in individuals lives.

they have often made the situation worse by being judgemental further pushing said individual into this trap.

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Well, I agree, a lot about modern society contributes to the kind of mental health problems that can lead to substance abuse.

But for better or worse, overall health outcomes are better than at any time in history.

So if you're thinking that people being idle, bored, robbed of any agency, and unfulfilled is a root cause of drug abuse, I agree.

But that boils down to being at the top of the needs hierarchy, and moving down has a set of bigger problems with it.

So as long as we're here, treating opioid use as a disease or chronic condition, instead of as some kind of "criminal" hedonistic behavior we should be punished for, goes a long way to reduce any harm it causes.

>But for better or worse, overall health outcomes are better than at any time in history.

This is not true? US life expectancy is actually falling now, and due to the obesity epidemic the "average" adult is fairly unhealthy.

Falling life expectancy is a statistical fiction due to changing demographics. And health/medical outcomes are still better, most of the problem is systems that encourage people to die because they can’t afford care.

I think drug prohibition is the lower-hanging fruit here, but it's certainly important not to overlook the deeper causes. Spiritual malaise, a feeling of disenfranchisement and lack of buy-in to society, poverty, and desperation are all tightly intertwined root causes for so many big problems we face today.

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