We discuss current themes in the use of chemicals. Themes include bureaucracies which overpower people, often in a surreal, nightmarish milieu which evokes feelings of senselessness, disorientation, and helplessness. As a result, people often lack a clear course of action to escape a labyrinthine situation. Themes also apply to real-life occurrences and situations that are incomprehensibly complex, bizarre, or illogical.