The Fetishism of Drugs

Abstract

In recent years the general argument has been advanced that the effects of psychoactive drug use on human beings depend as much on the context of use as on the inherent characteristics of the drug itself. Two variations on this general theme have been the “Weil thesis” and the “Lindesmith thesis.” The former asserts that drug-induced alterations of consciousness are influenced significantly by the immediate set and setting. The latter argues that the manner in which drug use is socially controlled largely determines use patterns and the long-term effects of use. The theoretical moorings of both these theories are explored, and the evidence relevant to each is assessed. In each case the results are mixed: Although neither tells the whole story in its respective domain, both are necessary for a total understanding of the effects of psychoactive drug use.