How Should Society Deal With the Drug Nicotine?

How should our society deal with nicotine? There are millions of people who use this legal drug. Many people love their cigarettes. Others can't stand their smoking and wish they could stop the addictive habit. Some people can control their smoking -- they'll have a few cigarettes (over a few drinks) and then don't smoke for awhile. Others, like me, can't do this. If I smoke even one, before I know it I am smoking a pack a day. We all know people who smoke. We all know people who have quit. We all know someone who has died prematurely from smoking.

Every week I read about new legislation or policy proposals about how we will limit smoking in our society. Below is my analysis of the good, the bad and the terrifying proposals that are on the table.

The Good

Smoke-Free Workplaces, Restaurants and Bars:

I lived in both California and New York when they passed their laws prohibiting smoking at restaurants and bars. While many smokers and businesses were outraged and complained about the potential loss of business or personal freedom, I think we can now agree that these bans have been a success. Smokers can walk a few feet outside to enjoy their smoke. Nonsmokers can enjoy bars without being exposed to secondhand smoke -- and most people, including smokers, enjoy waking up the next morning without their clothes reeking like smoke.

Offering Nicotine Replacement (Gum, Patches) to Those Trying to Quit:

Mayor Bloomberg has made it a personal mission to get people to quit cigarettes. One thing he has done right is offer New Yorkers free nicotine replacement, like patches and gum, to those who want to quit. It is both cost-effective and humane to offer non-punitive ways to help people who want to give up cigarettes.

Age Restrictions and Honest Drug Education for Young People:

Anti-smoking advocates have prioritized education and age restrictions to keep cigarettes out of young people's hands. Programs like the Truth Campaign, an innovative ad campaign directed at young people, have been successful in reducing smoking. It speaks honestly about the harms of smoking and treated young people with respect.

Compared to the over the top "Just Say No" anti-drug commercials that exaggerated and lied to young people, this approach is much more effective. Young people have long ridiculed and ignored messages like the "This is Your Brain on Drugs" and absurd claims that if you smoke marijuana you will become a homeless heroin addict. Drug education campaigns need to be honest and truthful if we want young people to be open to the message.