NCJ Number
200770
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 363-378
Date Published
2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews developments in European drug laws and drug controls during the 1990’s.
Abstract
Noting that drug use is not new to human culture, this article discusses recent and current drug policy developments in Europe, citing recent harm reduction strategies. Focusing on theories of complex social and historical interactions concerning drug use, the author addresses recent changes in drug laws and drug law implementation in Europe before presenting three models of the decriminalization of drugs. Describing procedural law decriminalization, informal decriminalization practices, and substantive law decriminalization, the article discusses the medicalization of Europe’s drug problem, highlighting current legislation and other developments. Neither legislators nor the European general public is ready to accept a libertarian approach to drug use such as that found in the Netherlands. Following a discussion of the abstinence, medicalization, and acceptance paradigms, the author suggests that current changes in drug laws involve different levels of drug policy and drug care. Local, regional, and national service organizations exist for drug users and supporters of drug legislation who all contribute to effectively managing the drug control system in Germany and the European Union. References