From A Policy On Illegal Drugs To A Policy On Psychoactive Substances

How is drug policy developed? Members of the Pompidou Group research platform from 17 European countries have studied this question, taking into account differing national political contexts, the influence of international conventions and drug strategies at V European level, the evolution of scientific knowledge, and treatment of drug addiction in the most broad sense of the word. This work in part provides a reply to the question whether countries opt for an integrated policy on substances, or for a separate policy for each substance. This publication also attempts to identify to what extent civil society, practice and science influence the formulation of drug policy.

Identifying effective approaches to creating coherent policies regarding licit and illicit drugs has been the priority of the Pompidou Group during its 2010-14 work programme. Over the years, research has evolved in this field as demonstrated in the group’s publications: From a policy on illegal drugs to a policy on psychoactive substances in 2008 and Towards an integrated policy on psychoactive substances: a theoretical and empirical analysis in 2010, and then Reflections on the concept of coherency for a policy on psychoactive substances and beyond in 2012. This last publication attempted to put into perspective the salient points of what may be termed a coherent policy on psychoactive substances. It proposed six indicators, around which the concept of coherency was developed: conceptualisation, policy context, legislative and regulatory frameworks, strategic frameworks, responses/interventions and structures and resources. The initial target for the use of these six indicators is that all drugs policies should be in line with the concept of “well-being”. At the very least, they should not contradict each other and at best they should be in harmony. On this basis, in 2013 and 2014, researchers refined these indicators and tested them in their countries, namely Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway and Portugal to verify whether they provided a valid tool to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of a coherent policy on psychoactive substances. The results appear in this publication and indicate that such markers may be indeed used as a basis for discussion on the issue of coherence and in some cases as a means to better implement coherent policies in respect to psychoactive substances, and also possibly policies that address other forms of addictive behaviour.

How are the problems associated with different psychoactive substances, illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco described? How is the nature of the "problem" shaped by research evidence, media coverage, cultural mores and social, economic and political considerations? To what extent does policy reflect a consistent approach to different psychoactive substances? What objectives do policies on drugs, alcohol and tobacco pursue? Do the structures in place support the co-ordination and/or integration of these policies? The issue of psychoactive substance policies (and beyond) is currently at the forefront of policy making in a number of countries, including those participating in this study, together with the issue of how such a policy may be implemented in a coherent manner. Continuing the work carried out in two previous publications, From a policy on illegal drugs to a policy on psychoactive substances (2008) and Towards an integrated policy on psychoactive substances: a theoretical and empirical analysis (2010), this work attempts to put into perspective the salient points of what may be termed a coherent policy on psychoactive substances and beyond. It proposes six indicators, around which the concept of coherency is articulated: conceptualisation, policy context, legislative and regulatory framework, strategic framework, responses/interventions, and structures and resources. The results of this study may be a surprise to some in the field, and tie in with broader efforts by the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in the sphere of policy coherence for development. The Council of Europe has 47 member states, covering virtually the entire continent of Europe. It seeks to develop common democratic and legal principles based on the European Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals. Ever since it was founded in 1949, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Council of Europe has symbolised reconciliation. Book jacket.

In More Harm Than Good, Carter, Boyd and MacPherson take a critical look at the current state of Canadian drug policy and raise key questions about the effects of Canada’s increasing involvement in and commitment to the “war on drugs.” A primer on Canadian drug policy, the analysis in More Harm Than Good is shaped by critical sociology and feminist perspectives on drugs and incorporates insights not only from individuals who are on the front lines of drug policy in Canada — treatment and service workers — but also from those who live with the consequences of that policy on a daily basis — people who use criminalized drugs. Finally, the authors propose realistic alternatives to today’s failed policy approach. “Your book really expanded thinking and understanding and had a big influence on students critical and reflective thought. Readings sparked rich conversations about their own hopes and wishes for the field, broader social and political responses and the impact on youth and families affected by substances.” - Stephanie McCune, University of Victoria Please note: an error occurred with the printing of this book, and one of the sidebars was not printed. It is available to download here. We sincerely apologize for this oversight.

This publication builds upon the work of From a policy on illegal drugs to a policy on psychoactive substances (2008), which examined the ways in which drug policy is formulated and applied in a number of European countries, especially in the light of the move from single policies on alcohol, tobacco and drugs to one which incorporates all of these substances. This volume further presents the scientific grounds for choosing between a separate policy for each substance and a single, "integrated" policy incorporating all substances. It also examines how policy is implemented in seven countries selected to cover the entire spectrum, namely those countries with separate policies for each substance and those with an integrated policy. Substance use impinges on the quality of life of individuals and society at large, leading the authors to conclude that new scientific evidence should be given greater consideration. Moreover, it appears that policy co-ordination is a fundamental issue in determining whether policies are integrated or not. The question remains open, however, as to which structures and bodies can better serve single policies or an integrated policy for all substances.

Identifying effective approaches to creating coherent policies regarding licit and illicit drugs has been the priority of the Pompidou Group during its 2010-14 work programme. Over the years, research has evolved in this field as demonstrated in the group's publications: From a policy on illegal drugs to a policy on psychoactive substances in 2008 and Towards an integrated policy on psychoactive substances: a theoretical and empirical analysis in 2010, and then Reflections on the concept of coherency for a policy on psychoactive substances and beyond in 2012. This last publication attempted to put into perspective the salient points of what may be termed a coherent policy on psychoactive substances. It proposed six indicators, around which the concept of coherency was developed: conceptualisation, policy context, legislative and regulatory frameworks, strategic frameworks, responses/interventions and structures and resources. The initial target for the use of these six indicators is that all drugs policies should be in line with the concept of "well-being". At the very least, they should not contradict each other and at best they should be in harmony. On this basis, in 2013 and 2014, researchers refined these indicators and tested them in their countries, namely Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway and Portugal to verify whether they provided a valid tool to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of a coherent policy on psychoactive substances. The results appear in this publication and indicate that such markers may be indeed used as a basis for discussion on the issue of coherence and in some cases as a means to better implement coherent policies in respect to psychoactive substances, and also possibly policies that address other forms of addictive behaviour.

Why are some drugs considered socially acceptable while others are demonized? What makes these definitions so widespread? Who benefits from these conceptualizations? The Drug Paradox examines both the empirically founded and the socially constructed facets of drugs and drug use, highlighting the incongruous aspects of laws, policies, and programming that aim to address behaviours around drugs. The authors explore this paradox, arguing that Canada’s punitive approach to addressing drug use continues to exist alongside harm-reduction strategies and that these competing approaches ultimately impede Canada’s ability to deal effectively with substance misuse. Using a policy-oriented approach while also emphasizing the utility of a multifaceted biopsychosocial model, this text provides students with a foundation in the sociology of psychoactive substances in the Canadian context. It covers a broad range of issues—models of addiction, the history of Canada’s drug laws, media representation, government responses to substance use, and international perspectives on drug policy—and addresses various research areas that are important for students to consider when trying to make sense of the competing discourses on drugs in society. The Drug Paradox is ideal for use in sociology courses on drugs and drug use and will also appeal to those focusing on drug use from a criminology, public health, or policy perspective.