Region specific drug epidemics

[pankreeas]

I'm havin fun with the poll feature tonight

Anyways, when swim gets together with his "dopamine research club" for tests / discussion a certain topic which causes a lot of debate always comes forth. That topic being; aside from the obvious factors which are money and climate, and drug laws, what are some thought's on what exactly causes these crazy drug epidemics in 1 region where as a neighbouring country is barely effected.
For example the meth explosion in America, ditto with the so called "party pill epidemic in uk", etc.. many hours are spent with no agreeance ever. So lets get this out to a wider audience.

[Donmeka]

imo anything can happen anywhere and any drug can reach any part of land, it just takes time and work.

[Bajeda]

I think it has to do with a number of factors listed on the poll, as well as some that aren't.

Availability of the drug is a major factor, as well as education pertaining to its effects and use. Laws can have somewhat an effect, though its mainly enforcement and how good a job they do restricting supply before a drug becomes popular.

I think the biggest factor though - which isn't on the poll - is social and cultural differences. Certain cultures seem to be more prone to certain types of drugs in general. Whether its simply historically based or has something to do with the social structure of the culture itself I don't know, though location in relation to where the drug is produced is important as well.

[Wflash]

Originally Posted by Bajeda

I think the biggest factor though - which isn't on the poll - is social and cultural differences.

Yep.

Though if you believe the stereotypes, most people in one of the world's largest countries aren't aware that there are different cultures in different countries.

[dirk]

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but the UK is awash with theobromine, caffiene, nicotine and ethanol

[FrankenChrist]

Poverty with no perspective and on the contrary people with too much money.
Boredom.