Introduction
The possible reaction of Canadians to alcohol, if it was a newly-invented illicit drug, will differ depending on their personal characteristics and essential external circumstances. The former is mainly presented by age, severe mental health conditions, and the overall attitudes towards substance use (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). In turn, the latter includes the frequency of meeting others and socializing as well as the costs of such products (Philip, 2017; Public Health Infobase, 2020). Therefore, the combination of these components when examining the Canadian citizens’ behavior affected by illegal alcohol consumption can be demonstrated through the lens of the mentioned factors.
An Increasing Variety of Options
The most likely consequence of the introduction of alcohol as an illicit drug to Canadians is their desire to have access to numerous options instead of limiting themselves to several drinks. Thus, they will strive for variety since this aspect is especially valued by these people in all spheres of life (Philip, 2017). Moreover, the drinks, which are to be the most popular among them, are expected to be produced in the country rather than imported from other regions of the world. This standpoint is conditional upon the statistics, according to which forty-one percent of individuals in Canada prefer purchasing local spirits (Philip, 2017). In this way, the patriotic sentiments alongside the intention to have alternatives will lead to the development of their distinct tastes depending on what drinks local manufacturers can produce.
Young People Affected
Another potential reaction of Canadians to the emergence of illicit alcohol is the significance of this event for the youth. This stance is confirmed by the studies in which researchers claimed that the representatives of this population group are more prone to experiments in general (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019; Public Health Infobase, 2020). In addition, they do not have an opportunity to purchase expensive drinks, which means that they will be likely to prefer cheap alternatives detrimental to their wellbeing (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). These issues will be complemented by concerns of their parents, who will not be able to positively affect their children’s mindsets in this respect. In this case, socialization, which is prioritized by teenagers and young adults, will be connected to alcohol (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). As a result, the attitudes will vary depending on the generation, and this problem will be openly discussed.
Ignoring the Risks
Another possible outcome of illicit alcohol and its distribution in Canada is ignoring the risks of its consumption due to the lack of scientific evidence. It correlates with the fundamental provisions concerning the principles of addiction because the absence of knowledge about the harm caused by substance abuse instills a feeling of safety in the affected individuals (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). Subsequently, this situation will result in the deterioration of the population’s health, which initially will not be viewed as critical. It will be underpinned by the impossibility of thoroughly examining this aspect due to the illegal nature of this drug. This fact will indicate growing health concerns of the Canadian citizens in the context of insufficient practical measures.
Viewing Alcohol as the Way to Solve Mental Problems
The introduction of alcohol as an illegal substance will lead to its imaginary benefits for the people. This conclusion is based on research, according which it can be used as a “coping mechanism for stress or anxiety” (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). In this case, some individuals might react positively to this measure as it will seem beneficial for the mentioned purpose. Meanwhile, their attitudes might change in the long run in an unexpected manner. Canadians might either admit its uselessness in dealing with mental health problems or continue using alcohol while trying to find an explanation for its allegedly favorable effects in this respect.
Heavy Drinking: Emerging Trends
The final aspect related to alcohol consumption under the specified restrictions is the emergence of the trend of heavy drinking, which will divert people’s attention from this substance. As per the official data based on a survey among Canadians, this experience is rarely linked to adverse outcomes because the amounts of beverages do not correlate with the severity of problems deriving from it (Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction, 2019). Consequently, excessive episodic drinking will not be perceived as a threat to one’s health, and the affected persons will not consider limiting this habit due to these considerations.
Conclusion
To summarize, the reaction of Canadians to alcohol as a newly-invented illicit drug will depend on different conditions. Most people will value a variety of choices, whereas young adults will be more likely to be negatively influenced by this practice due to increased socialization needs. The latter’s problems will be complemented by their low quality due to limited finances, and it will be followed by neglecting health risks due to the lack of opposing evidence. Also, the consumption of spirits will result in the formation of perceptions regarding their benefits for mental wellbeing and the possibility of ignoring the amounts of drinks since they will not be viewed as related to adverse outcomes.
References
Canadian Center of Substance Use and Addiction. (2019). Research (alcohol). Web.
Philip, B. (2017). Why Canadians drink Canadian: Our patriotic drinking habits. MacLean’s. Web.
Public Health Infobase. (2020). Alcohol use among Canadians. Web.