Comment by stcredzero

I don't think abstinence has been very good at achieving the outcome we're hoping for.

Not all abstinence is the same. Just because one is free to try anything, it doesn't mean people have to try everything.

Once they got into weed they realized just how much of a lie abstinence teaching was, they then graduated to trying other drugs

The problem isn't abstinence. The problem is the lie. Give people the proper, accurate information, and many will simply decide to abstain themselves. I think you and I would agree on this point about information.

The lack of education is terrifying, really.

That's ultimately the result of lies, deliberate obscurity, and attempts at thought control. It's far better to trust people with accurate information and let them decide for themselves.