Can prohibitions have the opposite effect by making people curious?

Policies aimed at restricting or prohibiting alcohol and substance use are implemented at both the national and international levels. Although prohibitive policies are thought to have the opposite effect on addictive behaviors, their primary aim is to make alcohol and substances more difficult to access or to prevent access altogether. Research shows that such policies can help reduce levels of alcohol and substance use.

People typically encounter prohibitions as a result of alcohol or substance use. However, the fact that the use of certain substances is permitted in some countries is often misunderstood. Such measures are intended to regulate substance use in order to reduce harm and prevent people from increasing their use.