NCJ Number
75705
Journal
International Review of Criminal Policy Issue: 32 Dated: (1976) Pages: 35-44
Date Published
1976
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Areas of scientific knowledge with the greatest bearing on international drug policy are discussed. These issues involve the classification of drugs for purposes of control; the relationship between drugs and crime; and the desirability of law enforcement, treatment, and education as primary forms of social response.
Abstract
Drugs are classified by their dangerousness without consideration of social or public health data. For example, most officials consider tobacco and alcohol to be the least dangerous drugs; yet, they are currently the foremost killers among drugs in use. While drug use seems to be correlated with criminal behavior, the causality relationships are unclear: both appear to stem from a common matrix. Furthermore, evidence does not support an association of drug abuse with violent crime, except under certain circumstances or with use of certain drugs (e.g., alcohol and amphetamines). Public notice has been directed at the role of organized crime without attention to the importance of the many small distributive organizations and to law enforcement crimes associated with drug offenses, such as illegal surveillance, illegal thefts from suspects by officers, and criminal involvement of officers in drug activities. The major forms of social response to drug problems are control of either supply or demand of drugs. Supply interdiction through law enforcement has proved ineffective because of its expense and the high rate of recidivism among dealers. Demand reduction through treatment, especially opiate maintenance, may help to limit use of particular drugs but does not necessarily encourage rehabilitation. Diversion is hindered by the need for coercion and for coordination among various agencies. Prevention measures directed toward education and social reform are frequently too optomistic about possibilities for changing attitudes and lifestyles through reason. Drug use is also controlled to some extent by regulatory measures which prescribe how drugs ought to be used; the success of such measures varies widely from case to case. The international effort in drug control has to date expressed itself in codifications on the relative dangerousness of drugs and the relevance of import, agricultural, and export regulations affecting their control. International action toward drug control must adjust to the realities of international politics as well as to pertinent scientific evidence in such a way that action is facilitated rather than impeded by the agreements made and programs undertaken. Fifty-four references notes are supplied.