> In article

>  "Matt Beckwith"

> > > Like most of us, I spent my youth in thrall to "the toxic drive"
> > > - the human need to alter reality artificially. For others who stick
> > > with the thrall as they age, it's cigarettes, or beer. Wealthier people
> > > choose The Macallan. But in those days, when I was offered a pill I
> > > would just say yes.
> >
> > > The childhood roots of this were my doctor-father's entrancing,
> > > corruptive medical magazines with their ads for pharmaceuticals to cure
> > > ills I couldn't pronounce.
> >
> > So, if I understand this author correctly, she's saying that:
> >
> > 1. The desire to take mood-altering substances is instinctive.
>
> According to the book "animals and hallucinogens" it is.
>
> > 2. The cause of this instinct is advertisements for medications.
>
> That's bullshit.
> It's genetic. ;-)
>
> > Give me a break.
>
> Indeed.....