Skip to content

I meant that people will take anything that gives them a…

“I meant that people will take anything that gives them a lift, whether it's alcohol or cocaine or the consciousness-expanding drugs or opiates. In Iran, until recently, they sold opium in shops legally, and they had 3,000,000 addicts in a population of 15,000,000. I don't believe that all those…” quote by William S. Burroughs
Download Open image
“I meant that people will take anything that gives them a lift, whether it's alcohol or cocaine or the consciousness-expanding drugs or opiates. In Iran, until recently, they sold opium in shops legally, and they had 3,000,000 addicts in a population of 15,000,000. I don't believe that all those people were escaping from "complexes" or anything of the sort. They were simply exposed to it.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People often use substances for a quick escape, and widespread availability can lead to massive addiction rates.

In simple terms: Substance use as escape; availability drives addiction.

Key Takeaway

Address both demand and supply of drugs.

Themes

addiction escape availability social policy

Mood

critical concerned

Type

social analytical

When to use this quote

  • community outreach
  • policy reform
  • education programs

Key Concepts

public health sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people turn to drugs for relief?
  • What societal changes could reduce dependence?
A Different Perspective

Legal access may not eliminate underlying social issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William S. Burroughs

Explore all 484 William S. Burroughs quotes

More Addict quotes

Browse all 634 Addict quotes