The casual use of drugs in Strange Attractors is a distraction in the novel. Max mentions that Sylvan I smokes marijuana and this drug shows up elsewhere. Furthermore, Max was secretly drugged by Sylvan II but seems to think such an outrageous assault on his person to be insignificant compared to the scientist's seemingly good behavior.

In the case of Sylvan I and Eve I, the recreational smoking of marijuana is intended to reveal how dissolute they are. They also smoke cigarettes and seem fond of alcohol.

In addition, Sylvan I reveals that he is a glutton who uses liposuction as well as exercise to maintain a trim figure. Each of these vices is meant to associate Sylvan I and Eve I with evil, exposing them as people with more appetite than good sense.

Still, the drugging of Max by Sylvan II presents an ethical dilemma...