Cultural Patterns of Drug and Alcohol Use: an Analysis of Host and Agent in the Cultural Environment

• NCJ Number: 119695
• Journal: Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (1987) Pages: 11-27
• Author(s): J Westermeyer
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Austria
• Note: Special issue on the prevention and reduction of the illicit demand for drugs.

Annotation

The problems of drug abuse and alcoholism are analyzed in the context of the interactions between the host (person), the drugs, and the environment.

Abstract

Societies around the world ascribe different meanings, values and attitudes to drug use. An array of psychological, social, and cultural interactions occur so that no one model can explain all human behavior with regard to the use of a specific drug. The same drug may be valued positively in one society, and negatively in another. A number of factors such as affluence, drug diffusion, urbanization, migration, and social change contribute to the increase in drug related problems. It is emphasized that strategies to combat these problems may be effective in one society and not in another. It is important therefore, that strategy decisions be guided by data, planning, and reason. 28 references. (Author abstract modified)