1. Drug, Set, Setting Summarised from Zinberg (1984)
Brainstorm exercise – what types of drugs do you associate with - Experimental (occasional- not always safe!), ask what settings are the drugs usually used in.
Recreational (regular, controlled/measured) but sometimes, risky use (high intensity over short length of time) Dependent (increased tolerance, withdrawals, priority)
It could be said that all recreational drug use is irresponsible due to the unpredictable, unregulated nature of many illicit drugs and the risk of addiction, infection and other side effects. Some types of drugs including alcohol are very addictive, and even moderate use may result in a strong physical need for an increased dosage. While some people may be able to use some drugs for many years without serious consequences, others may have an unexpected reaction to the drug, even on first use.