NCJ Number
138826
Journal
Milbank Quarterly Volume: 69 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 461-494
Date Published
1991
Length
34 pages
Annotation
The experience with prohibition and subsequent regulation of alcohol suggests that the legally regulated sale of currently illicit drugs is reasonable and practical, although no such radical change in drug policy will be politically feasible until well into the 21st century.
Abstract
The temperance movement was created in the early 19th century by physicians, ministers, and large employers concerned about the drunkenness of workers and servants. By the mid-1830's temperance had become a mass movement of the middle class. Later, prohibition became a major goal. However, after the 18th amendment took effect in 1920, prohibition was openly and massively violated, and bootlegging became common. Prohibition aided organized crime, increased the number and types of people involved in illicit production and distribution, and produced a shift toward the production and sale of more concentrated forms of alcohol. Opposition to prohibition increased, and the Depression provided the necessary context for repeal. Within 2 years of repeal, nearly every State had an agency to supervise the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, and alcohol had ceased to be a controversial issue. Despite the flaws of the new regulatory system, it succeeded in turning consumption away from hard liquor and back toward beer. In addition, it kept alcohol consumption below prohibition levels. This experience suggests both that drug control along the lines of alcohol control is a reasonable and practical policy option and designing such a drug control system will be an extremely complex task. However, historical, demographic, cultural, economic, and political conditions make policy change unlikely now or soon. Nevertheless, individuals and organizations are questioning current policies and agree that demand reduction must be the central focus of future efforts. 68 references