NCJ Number
147965
Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 202-209
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This analysis of discussions of drug policies in Western European countries concludes that they are based on two major opposing perspectives of the drug problem, each with its own internal coherence.
Abstract
One view is the deterrence view associated with the War on Drugs. The other is the normalization view, which has been put forward by countries such as the Netherlands. According the deterrence perspective, the best way to prevent the problems arising from drug use is to try to eliminate their use altogether. According to the normalization perspective, the problems arising from the use of drugs are not inevitable and are intensified rather than alleviated by attempts to eliminate drug use. These perspectives differ also in the way in which drugs themselves are defined, the way in which they are supposed to affect users, the social consequences, and policy recommendations. Normalizers strongly oppose criminalization, note that criminal law has never succeeded in completely eliminating prohibited behavior, and recommends the increased provision of information and education to reduce demand. 27 references