Before further analysis of why prohibition increases crime and violence, it is crucial to understand how the rational choice model is applied. The standard economic paradigm is people consume drugs because of the benefits they expect. If they choose to accept the risks, they must believe the benefits outweigh the costs. If it is assumed the rational choice model applies to most drug users (a subset of the general population), then the normative analysis of policies to deter drug use under prohibition is a cost to the users, rather than a benefit. The reasoning is that some consumers rationally choose to consume drugs, so these policies are a detriment. It is also a cost to the general population as well, as taxpayers end up fronting the bill
