IndexAlcoholPsychedelicsConclusionThe implementation of social controls is likely through education, subcultural rituals, and personal awareness. This essay will explore the meaning of social controls through psychedelics and alcohol. Various social controls on drug use and the extent to which they minimize harm to users in Western and non-Western societies will also be discussed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Zinberg and Harding define social controls and sanctions as the way a drug should be consumed and used. Such sanctions include “informal, unexpressed values ​​or rules of conduct shared by a group…”. While there are formal laws and policies that regulate drug use, society creates its own set that is only understood by individuals who participate in that behavior or are interested in the culture. Rituals defined by Zinberg and Harding are the "stylized, prescribed behavior surrounding the use of a drug" that refers to the way individuals purchase and consume, as well as the environment in which they take part in this culture. Social controls are important to maintain a level of understanding and peace within society. An article by Zinberg and Harding, Drugs, Alcohol and Alternate states of awareness explores the social controls and rituals of alcohol consumption, comparing Western and non-Western practices. AlcoholAlcohol is a depressant that slows vital body functions such as messages between the brain and body, as well as affecting the way individuals think, behave and feel. Although it is not called a drug, it affects the brain and body of individuals in the same way as illicit drugs such as cannabis. In Western societies due to rituals such as weddings, birthdays and holidays alcohol consumption is encouraged and accepted. Western societies attempt to control the negative impact of alcohol through legal regulations such as legal age limits and restrictions on drunk driving. Each culture reacts differently to alcohol consumption, for example European families allow their children to try alcohol at a younger age. This attempts to reduce negative effects later in life as they have a higher tolerance to alcohol and are less likely to be involved in alcohol-related accidents. However, this is also a social norm in European countries as alcohol is included in every cultural and social event. Zinberg's article concludes that there are positive social controls, which encourage alcohol consumption at religious events and special occasions, legal restrictions, and what society deems as excessive drinking. Children learn about social norms and sanctions early in life through television, newspapers, and movies, especially Westernized movies. . Furthermore, these early encounters allow the child to develop a sense that alcohol is enjoyable, can be controlled, and is socially approved. According to Harding and Zinberg, regular introduction of alcohol by parents contributes to a stable attitude towards drug use and an understanding of the effects that substances can have on an individual. The article also suggests that various social sanctions on alcohol choice depend on variables such as personality factors, social forces, and religion. In non-Western societies, such as those in the Middle East and Arab regions, alcohol is haram (forbidden). However, it is not prohibited to sell alcohol to foreigners. Only extremely conservative countries like ArabiaSaudi, Kuwait and Libya have imposed a legal ban on the sale, consumption and production of alcohol, while other countries have banned its consumption by Muslim citizens. Another example of the interaction between non-Westernized societies and alcohol is the American Indian tribe. Within the tribe alcohol was a "long-standing, highly ritualized, controlled use of naturally occurring psychoactive plants." Some tribes brewed weak beers for traditional purposes before European colonization. After colonization, spirits distilled and wine became available, and American Indians were uncertain and naive about how to control alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, social controls among American Indians were difficult to estimate due to varying alcohol consumption practices from tribe to tribe. as a result of cultural appropriation and colonization. Psychedelics Psychedelics are a variety of drugs such as mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, peyote, and MDA. These drugs work by altering perception by interfering with the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain Social change for psychedelic drugs occurs through group participation and through the guidance of expert users who guide unfamiliar users. Zinberg and Harding's article describes participants as "needing more energy and wanting to be in a good mood," as well as suggesting the use of psychedelics with an interval of at least two weeks. Grund, Kaplan, and DeVries suggest that psychedelic social control rituals are successful in monitoring and controlling addiction and encourage a positive experience while taking the drug. However, Harding and Zinberg argue that psychedelics provide users with a positive experience, allowing for the possibility of addiction and compulsive users. Psychedelic drugs like LSD have become popular in Western societies, especially among younger generations. The desire to try party drugs and experience what everyone else is doing can promote addiction, behavior, and compulsive use. Social controls and rituals are used to promote positive drug use in Western societies compared to non-Western societies where some rituals include treating patients with psychedelic drugs. Marlene Dobkin de Rios' diary describes healers in the Peruvian Amazon conducting rituals such as ayahuasca to 'capture the soul of man' and singing ritual chants. Similarly, another article suggests that ayahuasca rituals protect individuals and groups from the negative consequences of psychedelic drugs. The difference between Western and non-Western societies is that individuals in Western societies use psychedelic drugs as a "party drug" and want to experience a positive trip which increases the possibility of drug abuse, while in non-Western societies through rituals of ayahuasca patients are healed. and the use of the drug is controlled. Although the use of psychedelic drugs differs between Western and non-Western societies, rituals in non-Western societies are designed to ensure that communities are safe and act as regulators. The difference between Zinberg and Harding's findings versus Weil's is that Weil portrays the importance of medications for healing versus Zinberg who explains the importance of social control through setting. In recent years, drug control treaties have been criticized due to the increase in drug use. illicit drugs in low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries. This plays into stereotypes of drug users as individuals believe that low-income countries will target.