In addition, the initiate acquires from the group the verbalized motives necessary to overcome any reluctance to try something that is illegal or about which he or she may have heard many horror...

In addition, the initiate acquires from the group the verbalized motives necessary to overcome any reluctance to try something that is illegal or about which he or she may have heard many horror stories. As Becker points out, to become a regular user, it is not enough to learn to recognize the drug’s effects. One must also learn to set aside fears. The group can help do this: