I’m libertarian, so I think people should be given the choice of whether they want to use any given substance if they so choose. But what happens when people get “addicted”? What is addiction? Does the fact that they’re addicted take away their ability to choose? What about things that aren’t physical addictions, like gambling?

Is someone addicted when an object or act interferes with normal everyday functioning? What if they skipped work one time because they needed to unwind? Is that enough to put them in rehab for six months? Or a few young lovers who skip school to be with one another? Should they be ripped apart over that?

So, what conditions would be put on “addiction”? And also, what measures would be put on someone who is addicted?

People should be able to choose thier own path in life, but if they get in too deep, should they be helped? If someone gets into debt, the government obviously can’t pay for them to get out. It must be the same on all levels, and welfare would fall under the same category.

But what if they can’t help themselves?

If a person is bedridden for a month, and cannot work throughout that time, should the government intervene? To what extent?

I don’t have the answers, but I’m looking for them. Logic and the aspiration of freedom will lead me.

 

-Dream on