Irene Plana - Opinion Essay

Should the government make alcohol and tobacco illegal?

Nowadays, tobacco and alcohol is very present in our lives, making it very easy to buy and consume, and sometimes this can turn into an addiction.

It could be argued that people want to get away from their problems and one easy way to do that is to drug themselves. There are many drugs that are illegal, however, tobacco and alcohol are not, as they are not so harmful. Consequently, are more controlled. These substances being legal is a way to prevent from illegal traffic. If the government makes them illegal, people will want to keep consuming no matter what, so they will find a way to buy it, through the illegal traffic.

Another point to consider is the effects that these substances have on us. We have to be aware of the consequences of consuming alcohol. Many people depend on drinking alcohol as a way to make them happy but is not that case, that makes people run out of money, not being loved by their family anymore, being depressive and other bad things. Furthermore, teenagers consume these substances a lot. This can cause attitudes towards friends and family that are not correct.

Finally, governments by leaving these substances legal make an income, so this should be invested in other things like heath, schools, streets..., so is not that bad for a government to leave it as it is.

To conclude, I believe that the government shouldn't make alcohol and tobacco illegal because leaving it legal they can prevent the illegal traffic, can continue receiving an income from that and if they make it illegal, people will continue consuming anyway.