NCJ Number
210445
Date Published
2004
Length
257 pages
Annotation
This book explores justifications and rationalizations for the differing approaches toward the control of the distribution and consumption of drugs in France, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Abstract
Before exploring the fundamental differences in drug control in the three countries, the book presents a historical review of the global evolution of drug use and drug control policies. Attention is given to the United Nations World Drug Summit, the development of policies for controlling the use of psychoactive substances, global drug prohibition, and national varieties of drug prohibition. The second chapter presents a detailed examination of the evolution of global drug prohibition regimes and distinctive national drug control trends in Europe. This is followed by three chapters that address drug control in each of the three countries that are the focus of the book. The chapter on France addresses the prevalence of drug use; its geography, history, and people; May 1968 and 1970 drug legislation; the role of science and professionals in drug policy; and traditions of law enforcement and central government. The chapter on drug control in the Netherlands focuses on the country's geography, history and people; relevant commissions and professionals; the political and legal culture; and the drug trade and drug tolerance. The chapter on Sweden addresses the prevalence of drugs and drug problems in the country; its geography, history, and people; its restrictive alcohol policy; and the symbolic importance of the drug threat. The concluding chapter identifies and analyzes the differences in the three national drug control systems. The basic argument is that national cultural traditions for handling social problems have influenced how the three countries have addressed illicit drug use. 244 references and a subject index