NCJ Number
124079
Date Published
1989
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This analysis of drug policy and its results in The Netherlands argues that the results of the policy do not justify the international criticism it has received and that the Dutch policy of prevention and assistance is now receiving international attention as a result of the growing concern about AIDS.
Abstract
International drug policy is currently dominated by the United States and focuses on a "war on drugs." Thus, the international mass media and politicians strongly criticize the Dutch policies. However, Dutch drug policies do match those of other Western European nations with respect to penalties and enforcement related to drug trafficking. The distinguishing feature of the Dutch policy is its attitude toward drug users and its focus on tolerance, assistance, and prevention rather than prohibition, criminalization, and marginalization. Soft drugs like marijuana are thus de facto legalized, and research has shown that the number of users of soft drugs has decreased between the 1970's and the 1980's. Hard drugs appear to be an intractable problem despite criminal penalties and the availability of methadone maintenance, but Dutch policies are likely to become increasingly punitive. Footnotes, appended description of the treatment and methadone maintenance program in Tilburg, and 60 references.