NCJ Number
138825
Journal
Milbank Quarterly Volume: 69 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 437-460
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Drug policy in the United States has assumed that drug use always leads to addiction and problem behavior and should be revised to recognize that a considerable proportion of regular users of heroin, cocaine, and other psychoactive drugs continue to function effectively at work and in other areas of social life.
Abstract
Studies conducted over the last 60 years have shown that even the most intoxicating and addictive substances can be and often are used safely. Many of the negative consequences of drug taking may reasonably be attributed to the preexisting problems of users or the interaction between their disadvantaged status and current policies regulating the price and availability of drugs. However, addiction and nonmedical uses of psychoactive drugs have widespread negative consequences, although the risks of taking such drugs are often overestimated. The experience of other countries suggests that, without repressive laws, adult users may be able to regulate their own behavior and decide for themselves what represents appropriate. Therefore, a more humane alternative should be considered that is more tolerant of benign drug use and that seeks to prevent or control adverse consequences through appropriately developed public policy. 81 references