Comment by prkbennett (pbennett1) on How to Convince my Son that Drugs are Bad · 2022-12-20T18:26:00.057Z · LW · GW

I think this comment is an important point, and I'm putting my ideas here because I think they're related.

I claim there's a survivorship bias in the results of [amphetamine/LSD/heroin] use that are published on the internet. You can imagine that if someone has a very negative experience with heroin, they won't be in any shape to post their experience on an online forum (typically places for high-income, well-off persons). 

Similarly, someone who tries heroin once and regrets it also likely wouldn't post on the internet. It doesn't provide a difference from most people's general perception of drugs, and it aligns with most research studies. These types of slight negative experiences won't be found because the internet (and LessWrong) selects for unique/uncommon ideas.

Therefore, if strong negative experiences and slight negative experiences are less common on the internet, you should find some way to still show those perspectives. Published research studies probably show a statistical analysis, but anecdotal and individual stories are typically much more impactful, especially on a teenage brain.

You (concerned_dad) mentioned briefly in another comment that you were considering taking your son to a rehab center. I think this is a particularly good idea, and (assuming your son is somewhat open minded) will help show a different set of experiences that he won't find elsewhere. My opinion is that you should concede some points to your son (e.g. admitting that LSD can have positive effects, but emphasizing the possible negative outcomes) before visiting.