Based on extensive participant observation research, a life-history model is presented to explain why very few of those who come into contact with narcotics become problematic consumers; that is make drugs one of the most central elements in their lives. The model covers four stages in the deviant career; two preceding and two subsequent to the individual's narcotics debut. Prohibition and harm reduction as models for intervention are presented, and the implications for drug policy of the life-history model are discussed.
Acknowledgements List of Figures PART 1: ON DRUGS AND DRUG CONSUMERS Introduction Assumptions and Concepts The Social Components of Drug Influenced Behaviour Why Do People Take Drugs? The Psychosocial Background of Problematic Consumers PART 2: DEVIANT CAREERS The Deviant Career: A Model Parental Labelling Societal Labelling Secondary Deviance The Deviance Spiral PART 3: NARCOTICS POLICY Can We Cut the Supply? Prohibition: Swedish Narcotics Policy Harm Reduction: Dutch Narcotics Policy Demand Reduction Conclusion Bibliography Name Index Subject Index
