As far as your 5% number is concerned, it's not even close. You mean 5% this very moment? Today? This week? This year? Ever?
Statistics can be manipulated any way you want.
People all over the world use "drugs" regularly. Alcohol and various other mood altering substances have been used since humans discovered them. Even if the percentages don't represent a majority in any particular society, it is not abnormal behavior.
How many people do you know who have NEVER, EVER, used any mood altering substance? Alcohol seems to be the favorite, but coffee and cigarettes could also be counted.
Your statistics tell the story you want to tell, nothing more.
The poster was quite clear on the type of drugs being referred to.
"You mean 5% this very moment? Today? This week? This year? Ever?"
Around 5-6% of those 12 and older smoke marijuana at least once per month. I would refer to such a person as a marijuana user.
"Even if the percentages don't represent a majority in any particular society, it is not abnormal behavior.
Illegal recreational drug use is not the norm. I think you're playing word games here, and I don't know why you are doing that. I didn't think that was your style.
When I used the word "drugs" I was unclear in differentiating between illegal substances and medications. That is my error and if you or anyone else was confused about that, then the fault lies with me.
However, I would have thought someone of your capabilities would have realized what I was speaking of instead of poking at the argument with your semantic stick.
Yes, millions and millions of Americans use "drugs" in the form of prescribed medications every single day. Others use tobacco and alcohol--some to excess. However, millions and millions of Americans go through each day without using an illegal substance or tobacco or alcohol.
paulsen plays the word game:
Illegal recreational drug use is not the norm.
I think you're playing word games here, and I don't know why you are doing that. I didn't think that was your style.
Weird comment robbie, seeing that your qualifier "illegal", -- is the issue under contention.
-- You're using it in a word game to establish that government in the USA can prohibit recreational drugs "legally".
Round you go, accusing everyone else of playing the same games you play. -- Fine little bit of agitprop/diversion. .