>with the caveat they don't have the same direct link with misery, mental illness, violence, crime and general anti-social behaviour
Many people use it exactly that way. Epecially with depression etc.
And ultimately I am not of the opinion that we need to manage other peoples vices, or sources of temporary happiness. Alcohol is a very social vice and 99% of people can manage it responsibly.
So provided they arent direct contributors to larger issues in society (such as meth/opiates directly causing crime etc.), I dont think the government needs to be in the business of restriciting people freedoms (which does include the freedom to self-destructive behavior).
Otherwise where do you stop? Mandating exercise? Banning burgers? Ultimately we cant nerf the world. Prohibition doesnt work, if the 20's doesnt show you just look at the drug war and marijuana.
>with the caveat they don't have the same direct link with misery, mental illness, violence, crime and general anti-social behaviour
Many people use it exactly that way. Epecially with depression etc.
And ultimately I am not of the opinion that we need to manage other peoples vices, or sources of temporary happiness. Alcohol is a very social vice and 99% of people can manage it responsibly.
So provided they arent direct contributors to larger issues in society (such as meth/opiates directly causing crime etc.), I dont think the government needs to be in the business of restriciting people freedoms (which does include the freedom to self-destructive behavior).
Otherwise where do you stop? Mandating exercise? Banning burgers? Ultimately we cant nerf the world. Prohibition doesnt work, if the 20's doesnt show you just look at the drug war and marijuana.