The assertion that drugs have been employed as a means to facilitate collective control and construct more submissive societies forms part of a broader discourse regarding the role of drugs within communities and their historical utilization as a tool for social control.

Since the 1950s and 1960s, considerable attention has been devoted to the notion that governments and other potent institutions might use drugs as a mechanism to quell social dissent and maintain power structures. For instance, some critics have contended that the war on drugs in the United States has been leveraged as a method to suppress specific social groups, such as communities of color and political dissenters. Additionally, certain cultural theorists and sociologists have pointed to the cultural and social impacts of drug consumption, particularly how drugs are used to escape from societal and individual problems, which could perpetuate the status quo and suppress the inclination towards social change. Despite the complexity and controversy surrounding the topic of drugs as instruments for population control, this article aims to provide a general overview of the psychological impacts on various groups caused by these substances and to examine potential aspects, including the economic, social, and political effects of drug consumption and related policies.

Opium

Let us commence with opium. Opium, derived from the sap of the poppy plant, is among the oldest known narcotics to humanity. The use of opium is deeply rooted in human history due to its analgesic and therapeutic properties. Consumption of opium can induce feelings of profound tranquility, satisfaction, and enhanced pain tolerance. Users may experience a sense of lightness and liberation from worries. However, this substance can also lead to drowsiness, respiratory depression, and in some cases, nausea.

Opium consumption has deep and ancient roots in the Middle East and East Asia. In the Middle East, opium was utilized as a medication for pain relief and the treatment of sleep disorders. In East Asia, particularly in China, opium use has been prevalent for centuries.

However, Europeans, mainly the British, played a significant role in the increase of non-medical opium consumption in Asia during the 19th century. The British East India Company extensively exported opium produced in India to China, leading to a significant rise in consumption and dependency on opium in that country. This resulted in the Opium Wars between England and China, which ultimately opened Chinese markets to Western products and further increased opium consumption.

In response to the social and economic problems stemming from widespread opium addiction, the Chinese government initiated efforts to combat opium use. These efforts included banning the import of opium, suppressing smugglers, and encouraging addiction cessation. The Opium Wars, which occurred between 1839 and 1842 and again between 1856 and 1860, were significant milestones in these efforts. Despite China's endeavors, the opium trade continued into the early 20th century. China's fight against opium eventually led to a significant reduction in opium consumption. Following the end of imperial rule and the rise of the People's Republic of China in the mid-20th century, the new government seriously tackled opium use. Severe measures, including the execution of traffickers and the provision of rehabilitation programs, were implemented. By the mid-20th century, opium consumption significantly decreased in China.

While China successfully ended widespread opium use, other countries faced greater challenges in combating opium and other opioid substances. In some countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, due to their geographical location within the "Golden Triangle" of opium production, opium production and consumption persist.

Long-term use and addiction to opium can have severe negative impacts on an individual's physical and mental health, social, and economic status. Opium addiction may lead to isolation, an inability to maintain healthy relationships, and a loss of interest in daily activities and responsibilities. The trade and consumption of opium, especially in countries with high production or use, can have significant societal impacts. This includes an increase in crime and domestic violence, laziness and irresponsibility, the weakening of family and social structures, evasion of responsibility, a propensity for corruption, verbosity, and storytelling, and most importantly, delusions of persecution. Opium consumption never became widespread or endemic in the West. However, in the Middle East and East Asia, it developed and normalized among all social strata, especially among the governing and wealthy classes. Throughout contemporary history, individuals influenced by these substances influenced many betrayals and misguided decisions.

The production and trafficking of opium have been sources of international conflict and have funded insurgencies and terrorism. For example, the opium trade in Afghanistan has been linked to the Taliban and other groups, affecting global politics and contributing to regional instability. The involvement of elite networks in the worldwide drug trade has at times led to political scandals and clashes both within and between nations.

Heroin

Heroin, scientifically known as diacetylmorphine, was first synthesized in 1874 by the English scientist C.R. Alder Wright. However, the German company Bayer initiated its commercial production as a cough suppressant and analgesic in 1898. Heroin was initially introduced as a substitute for morphine (opium) to aid in the treatment of addiction to morphine and other opioids. However, it quickly became evident that heroin itself is highly addictive. During the 20th century, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, heroin consumption increased in many countries, notably in America.

Heroin is a potent narcotic that produces effects such as euphoria, pain reduction, and alterations in the user's perceptual experience. This substance can lead to severe addiction, overdose, and death. Long-term heroin use can also lead to serious health issues such as liver and kidney damage, viral infections like HIV and hepatitis, and mental health problems.

The rise in heroin and other drug use in the 1960s and 1970s led to significant societal changes, including an increase in crime and general delinquency and the erosion of cohesion within small communities. Heroin addiction can rapidly deteriorate one’s health, relationships, and economic status. This intense dependency may drive individuals towards dangerous and illegal behaviors, causing widespread societal anomalies. In the early decades of heroin production, its use among artists and intellectuals, though sporadically inspiring their work, had a profoundly detrimental impact on society, including law evasion, protest, and isolation. A tangible example for Iranians is the prevalence of this substance among Iranian artists and intellectuals in the 1960s and 1980s, which led them to participate in a rebellious movement known as the Revolution of 1978, dragging the developing society of Iran into ruin. Many heroin addicts, such as the religious singer and musician Farhad Mehrad, the leftist poet Ahmad Shamlou, and the political singer Dariush Eghbali, admitted decades later to the detrimental impact of these substances on their wrong choices, but it was already too late.

A similar event occurred in America during the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the development of severe poverty and irreversible disorders within the African American community, which some believe has not been rectified even after more than sixty years.

The Jazz scene in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in cities like New Orleans and New York, also saw heroin use among musicians who were considered part of the societal elite in cultural terms. This contributed to the glamorization of drug use in some circles but also led to tragic outcomes for many artists. The association of heroin with the creative elite had complex social ramifications, including exacerbating racial and economic divides.

LSD

LSD, or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, was first produced in 1938 by Albert Hofmann, a Swiss scientist working for the pharmaceutical company Sandoz (now part of Novartis). Hofmann synthesized this substance accidentally while trying to create a respiratory and circulatory stimulant and discovered its psychoactive effects five years later, in 1943.

In the 1960s, LSD gained popularity among the youth and the counterculture in countries like the United States and parts of Europe. This era, known as the "free love" period and marked by opposition to the Vietnam War, was characterized by the widespread use of acid and other similar psychedelics in social and cultural movements. LSD induces strong psychedelic effects on the user, including changes in sensory perception, thoughts, mood, and the sense of time and space. LSD creates intense visual and cognitive experiences known as "trips." Users may profoundly experience altered colors, sounds, and images, often accompanied by deep feelings of unity with the universe and spiritual experiences. The experiences induced by this substance can change an individual's attitude toward life and spirituality, sometimes leading to permanent shifts in personal perspectives and values. These changes may have positive or negative effects on an individual's decisions and behaviors.

Some experiences can be positive (such as feelings of unity with the universe) and some negative (such as intense fears or unpleasant experiences).

The use of LSD and other psychedelics in the 1960s led to significant changes in the younger generation, including increased skepticism towards traditional values, the emergence of countercultural movements, and their impact on music, art, literature, and politics. This period was also marked by promoting peace, love, and individual freedom. Concerns about the safety and social impacts of LSD and other psychedelic drugs, especially at the height of the Vietnam War and public opposition to the war, led to stricter legal controls and regulations in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In America, LSD was outlawed entirely in 1968, and by the 1970s, it was heavily monitored and controlled under drug laws. These legal actions significantly reduced the public consumption of this and other psychedelic substances, though interest in their scientific and medical study continued. Some believe that the growth and development of technology and art owe to the influences of this substance among the youth, especially the creative and artistic class. There are several influential figures in the world for whom there are reports and evidence of LSD use in their youth. It is important to note that in some cases, this information is based on the individuals' statements or published reports, and definitive conclusions about the direct impact of this consumption on their achievements cannot be made. Here are a few examples:

Steve Jobs

The co-founder of Apple is one of the most famous figures who openly discussed his experiences with LSD. He described this experience as one of the most important of his life, stating that the substance influenced his perspectives and innovations.

Francis Crick

Some reports have claimed that Crick, one of the discoverers of the double-helix structure of DNA, was under the influence of LSD while working on this discovery. However, these claims have always been a subject of debate and controversy.

Richard Alpert (Ram Dass)

One of the Harvard researchers who, along with Timothy Leary, participated in psychological research and studied LSD. He later became known as a spiritual teacher named Ram Dass and shared his spiritual experiences.

Ken Kesey

The famous author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," who played a key role in the counterculture of the 1960s and the use of LSD.Cocaine

Cocaine

Cocaine, or coke, is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant, native to South America, particularly countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. The traditional and medicinal use of coca leaves dates back thousands of years. However, the extraction of pure cocaine and its use as a potent drug began in the 19th century.

Cocaine's use as a recreational drug peaked in the 1970s and 1980s in North America and parts of Europe, especially among affluent communities and in party and club environments. Cocaine is a strong stimulant that produces effects such as increased energy and elevated mood. It induces intense feelings of euphoria, heightened self-confidence, false optimism, and self-satisfaction. However, these effects are temporary and often followed by a significant mood drop and fatigue.

Continuous use of cocaine can lead to addiction, mental disorders, cardiovascular problems, and premature and sudden death. The affluent and wealthy society of today's Iran could be a concrete example of the adverse effects of this substance. Reports of consecutive deaths due to cardiac arrest among the 30 to 50-year-old segment within the artist and wealthy communities are not unrelated to the prevalence of cocaine use.

Dependency on cocaine can have profound negative impacts on an individual's work, social life, and family. Since this substance is considerably more expensive and less accessible than other drugs and its use is easy with rapid effects, it is particularly popular within the entrepreneurial community, leading to unconventional decisions, illogical competitions, and a sort of gambling with life.

The illegal cocaine trade has also led to armed conflicts and insecurity in producing countries and trafficking routes, making the battle against the production, trafficking, and illegal use of cocaine a significant international challenge. Despite strict governmental prevention measures and competition between producers of opium and heroin in the East and cocaine manufacturers in South America, the global market for this drug remains buoyant, and the social and economic impacts of cocaine use continue to be a concerning issue.

Crystal Methamphetamine

Crystal methamphetamine, colloquially known as crystal meth, was first synthesized in the early 20th century by Japanese scientists. Initially, it was used to increase alertness and improve military performance and later as a medication for conditions such as obesity and depression.

The use of crystal meth increased in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in North America, quickly gaining popularity due to its potent and addictive effects. During this period, the illegal production and distribution of crystal meth became a major issue.

Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant that can create intense feelings of energy and wakefulness. Users may feel euphoric for hours or days without sleep. Consequently, the spread of this drug in warfare and among violent forces has increased to the extent that numerous reports have emerged about the distribution and severe consumption of this drug among Islamic militants in the Middle East and even repressive governmental groups in Iran and Syria. This drug, with its many derivatives, leads to the decay of wisdom and loss of compassion while significantly increasing obedience to committing violence. However, the severe mood crash following the drug's effect can lead to psychological stress, depression, harming others or oneself, and even suicide. Long-term use of meth can cause severe health damage, including dental problems (meth mouth), nerve and brain damage, skin issues, increased risky behaviors, and mental disorders.

The rise in crystal meth use has had widespread effects on communities, including increased crime and violence, pressure on health and treatment systems, and negative impacts on families and local communities. Due to its affordability, this substance is accessible to the poorer and suffering segments of society, spreading like cancer cells within communities. Mass production of its varieties is simple and possible worldwide, making this substance one of the tools of the Cold War for the decline of societies, with its trade among terrorist groups becoming routine.

Marijuana

Marijuana, extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide. The primary active substance in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), creates a range of sensory and psychological experiences in users.

Marijuana can stimulate feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and laughter. Some users also report changes in time perception, heightened sensory sensitivity, and visual experiences. However, marijuana use can sometimes cause anxiety, paranoia, and concentration difficulties. Continuous marijuana use can affect job performance, academic achievements, social relationships, and mental health. While some users may utilize it to reduce stress and improve mood, long-term use can lead to diminished motivation and disengagement in social and professional activities. Some believe that, in recent years, due to the increasing complexity of global political and economic situations and the potential for a widespread protest movement, powers are exerting all their efforts to legalize and promote marijuana use in societies to reduce thereby violent protests and public participation in political and social activities, using it as an active control tool. This group also believes that the prohibition of marijuana in the 1970s was based on the same principle, to drive people to The exact value of the global drug trade is challenging to determine annually due to a significant portion of this trade occurring within underground and illegal markets. However, various reports suggest that the trade is worth several hundred billion dollars, making it one of the most profitable illicit activities globally.

Drug trade

The production and distribution of drugs vary worldwide, depending on the type of drug and the geographic and economic conditions of countries. For example, cocaine is primarily produced in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia and smuggled from Latin America to significant consumer markets in North America and Europe. The primary source of heroin production globally is the "Golden Crescent," which includes Afghanistan (the world's largest heroin producer), Pakistan, and Iran, as well as the "Golden Triangle" comprising Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Heroin is mainly smuggled into European, Asian, and North American markets.

Methamphetamine production occurs in various countries, including Mexico (for the North American market) and some Southeast Asian countries (for local markets and exports). Recent years have seen reports indicating Syria has become a significant center for methamphetamine production and trafficking, especially crystal meth, particularly during its civil war. Political and economic instability has created conditions where drug production emerges as a revenue source for some groups. Lebanon has also been reported as a country involved in the drug trade, including trafficking Captagon and other stimulants. Iraq faces similar challenges with drug and counterfeit medicine smuggling, primarily acting as a transit route.

Cannabis or marijuana is produced nearly worldwide, with countries like Canada, some U.S. states, and Uruguay implementing laws for its legal production and use.

It's noteworthy that drug trade and arms trafficking are often intertwined in countries with security instability. This connection has various reasons, primarily economic aspects and their impact on power and control over specific regions. One key aspect of this entanglement is the financial dimension. Drug trade can significantly fund military and terrorist activities. Armed groups and terrorist organizations sometimes engage in drug trafficking to finance their weapon purchases and support their military operations. Another aspect is the perpetuation of violence. Both arms trade and drug trade can contribute to a cycle of violence. Controlling drug production and smuggling areas requires the use of violence and weapons, inherently increasing the demand for arms in these regions. Countries experiencing security instability have weak or non-existent government control over vast areas. This allows armed groups to engage in drug trafficking and arms smuggling, further destabilizing the situation. Examples include narco-terrorism in Colombia, the Taliban's role in the opium trade in Afghanistan, armed groups' involvement in drug trafficking in West Africa, and terrorist groups like the IRGC or Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, illustrating the complexities of this relationship. The link between drug trade and arms is a complex issue with extensive security, economic, and social consequences, requiring broad international cooperation and multifaceted approaches that remain unachieved to date. Reports and studies from the 1980s and 1990s have claimed collaborations between the CIA and drug cartels in South America, particularly Colombia. Similar collaborations are observed today in the Middle East.

One of the most famous cases involves allegations of cooperation between the CIA and drug cartels to finance Contra groups in Nicaragua, which aimed to overthrow the Sandinista government leaning towards communism. It is said that the CIA used drug sales to fund the Contras partially. This issue was especially highlighted after journalist Gary Webb published the "Dark Alliance" series in 1996, alleging the CIA's direct involvement in the drug trade to raise funds for the Contras, sparking widespread debate.

Furthermore, documented reports link the trade and distribution of drugs and arms directly with human trafficking. Those who deal in arms and drugs, through their vast revenues and networks created from illegal activities, can significantly influence national politics. This influence often manifests through direct financial injections into political activities, lobbying, or outright corruption of officials and politicians. Drug and arms dealers can impact election outcomes and political decisions by directly funding campaigns or financially supporting specific parties and candidates, granting them access to policymakers to further their interests. Utilizing illegal activity proceeds, these individuals may lobby for changes or maintenance of laws and regulations in their favor. Sometimes, these efforts may include bribing officials to avoid legal prosecution or gain insider information.

In certain instances, drug and arms dealers can also affect countries' foreign policies, especially if their interests conflict with national or international interests. This may involve instigating or supporting proxy wars and armed conflicts in regions where they operate. The widespread presence and influence of drug and arms traders in politics pose significant challenges for governments, including undermining governance, judicial and administrative corruption, and eroding public trust in state institutions. The influence of drug and arms traders on national politics is a complex issue, often hidden from the public eye in Western and developed countries, allowing these "bloodied hands" to excessively and covertly influence foreign policy decisions, causing suffering for people in producer countries and harm more people around the world.

Hirbod Human

April 2024