NCJ Number
143768
Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 32-35
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The author contends that illicit drug users rarely have value systems or follow rules that represent prevailing societal law and norms; nonetheless, they apply rules, knowingly or unknowingly, to the extent and frequency of their drug taking.
Abstract
Drug users also have rather vague ideas about drugs making their lives chaotic and out of control. Further, some drug users do not identify their rules until they have violated them. Clients of drug clinics need to believe they are in control of their behavior if they are to make real progress. Self-motivation and introspection represent additional components of effective drug treatment. In the case of recreational drug use, influential characteristics appear to include a valued system of mastery and control which manifests itself in the nonproblematic use of both legal and illegal drugs, the availability of value alternatives to drug-centered behavior, and a developed sense of responsibility to self and others. The author concludes that drug use does not always lead to loss of control and that the issue of individual versus external control via punishment or other means is crucial in dealing with the drug problem. 6 references