Explain how today's drug problem is different from the drug use in other societies and times.

Psychoactive drug use is almost universal, and in the past, drugs have been used for parts of religious rituals, as medicines and tonics, as nutrient beverages, or as culturally approved stimulants. Today the motivation for use is different as we use these drugs primarily for recreational purposes, particularly alcohol and nicotine. Finally, the drugs we use today are more potent, as they are synthesized differently. Alcohol has higher proofs, and illicit drugs tend to also have more addictive properties.