CNN had a short news item yesterday on a number of scientific initiatives that would presumably eliminate the chemical dependency of smoking. When someone smokes, the body interacts with nicotine and proteins are sent to the brain causing a 'reward response' - that feeling of satisfaction one gets when they smoke.
The new vaccine scientists are developing would block the specific nicotine protein from reaching the brain by creating antibodies in the blood that would interact with the protein. While this approach would not treat the psychological addition, the chemical addition which is by far the more serious of the two would be eliminated. In essence, there would be no physical feeling of satisfaction from smoking and therefore less reason to continue. It would be much easier to quit.
While this sounds like a great thing - and it probably is (unless you own stock in Phillip Morris) other scientists are working on similar vaccines for things like cocaine and other addictive substances. My question is this: do you think it would be right to force people to take this substance? In other words, if you get a DUI, would it be acceptable for the government to force you to take a pill or a shot that would remove your desire to drink? Smoke pot? etc?
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Posted by dngnb8 on Jun. 01, 2005 |
First off, you have selected some really good topics for discussion. Should have done this in the forum long ago.
No, the Government should not be able to "FORCE" treatment, UNLESS, one is incarcerated.
When one is incarcerated, you have limited rights. You are now a cost to society and this is preventitive cost and part of your dues.
Otherwise, one should not be forced to take the treatment
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Posted by Nitrogen_Widget on Jun. 02, 2005 |
I say yes to the alcohol aspect, but it should be limited. If someone has repeat DWI's & continuously drives without a license while drunk then I agree with it. They say alcoholism is a disease so if this is the cure then people should have to under go treatment just like they would for other mental illnesses. I don't know about other drugs. I suppose if someone wanted to kick their habit they would opt for the treatment.
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Posted by Jayhawk on Jun. 07, 2005 |
Should people be forced to take medication if they are manic/depressive? At what point should society care about the health of the individual. The question I ask myself is whether I would "vaccinate" my children against smoking and alcohol. But there is another angle. After having this vaccination then people wouldn't be as disinterested in trying mind altering substance. I avoid cigarettes and marijuana because I don't want to get addicted. If I knew that I couldn't get addicted I would try them and probably enjoy them. Then I would still use them. I say make them available. Especially to treatment clinics. They have nicotine patches - put the chemicals to stop addictions in the same patch. Then let whoever wants to make their own decision.
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Posted by GamesterGirl on Jun. 10, 2005 |
Jay, if I'm reading what Man has bought up correctly, the "vaccine" would prevent you from getting the physiological enjoyment out of the substance. So, you wouldn't be getting high from the pot or cigarettes. Same with the alcohol...the market has many products such as "Near Beer" for those who don't want to drink alcohol anymore but enjoy the taste.
As far as a vaccine for the illegal substances, yes, it should be a requirement for prisoners...repeat offenders...and for those in detox clinics. As for forcing it on the general population...why? People still need the right to control their fate...if they choose to get addicted, it's their problem...once their problem starts to interfere with the lives of others (Children/public safety/work) THEN perhaps it would be time to step in and strongly "recommend" they seek help...
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