One of the things governments do is pass laws that prohibit behaviors that are widespread. In the U.S. we have seen prohibitions on alcohol and drug use, for example. The thinking is that by outlawing an activity, we will discourage people from engaging in it. Makes perfect sense, except that despite prohibitions, outlawed activities continue to occur. For example, most psychoactive drugs are illegal in the U.S. except when prescribed by a physician. Despite this, in the past decade there has been a surge in illegal opioid use, and an epidemic of opioid overdose and death. Psychological reactance explains why drug laws fail.
What Is Psychological Reactance?
Psychological reactance occurs when people resist being told what to do. They may experience anger and resentment, and in many cases, they may refuse to do what they are told, even if it is to their detriment. As explained by self-determination theory, need for control is one of the three basic human needs. People have an innate need for control in their lives and having someone tell you what to do challenges that control. One way to reassert it is to avoid doing what someone else wants you to do. Too often that means failing to do something that is in your best interest to do.
Psychological Reactance Explains Why Drug Laws Fail
Psychological reactance can also occur when someone tells you not to do something. Often the loss of freedom makes the prohibited behavior even more attractive. Illicit drugs are an example of where prohibition can fail to discourage behavior. Outlawing drugs and sending the message that you should not use them or you will be punished does not necessarily make people less likely to indulge. Rather it makes drugs seem like forbidden fruit which can raise curiosity and a sense of reactance. People resent that the government is infringing on their freedom to use psychoactive substances, and many will feel empowered when they use them.
For those who go from recreational use to abuse, the prohibition is not helpful. Threat of jail is not an effective tool to discourage drug use. Prohibitions and the use of punishments makes people feel less control over their lives and can reduce self-esteem. This can have the opposite effect from what is intended. The US has used a prohibition approach for more than 50 years with the War on Drugs which has been counterproductive in many ways and ineffective considering that illicit drug use continues to be widespread.
Use a Non-Reactance Approach
There are approaches that can be used to deal with illicit drug use that do not induce reactance. Harm reduction is one such approach that does not rely on prohibition of drugs through punishment of drug users. Rather its purpose is to help people who choose to use drugs stay safe. By providing tools, such as clean syringes, drug testing kits or Narcan, drug users can feel empowered. Enhancing that sense of control can raise self-esteem and lead drug users to consider drug treatment, not because of the fear of punishment, but because it is something they decide to do on their own.