Constraints Upon Policy (From Alcohol and Drugs: Research and Policy, P 160-171, 1990, Martin Plant, Cees Goos, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-129672)

• NCJ Number: 129687
• Author(s): M Plant
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: University of Edinburgh Press
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Policies to address drug abuse are constrained by many factors including the competing demands on resources and the factors that promote drug abuse.

Abstract

A wide range of theories have been proposed to account for drug abuse; they focus on biological factors, individual factors, and environmental factors such as family background and educational problems. The analysis of causes has central relevance to social policy, because it implies that any attempts to discourage drug abuse have to operate in conflict with other factors that may be very powerful. In addition, some etiological factors are difficult or impossible to counter. Policies can focus on reducing demand or restricting supply. The ideal approach might be to reduce the demand for some drugs and eliminate the demand for others. These policies can be implemented at the local, regional, national, and international levels, but the greatest improvement in policy development in most countries would be to adopt a coordinated approach. 41 references