From disease to criminality – changes in how substance dependency is viewed

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health Policy
• Criminology

Background:

• Examining the evolution of drug policy in Norway from 1960-1990.
• Focusing on the societal perception of illegal drug use and addiction.

Observation:

• Initially, opiate abuse was a minor health issue, primarily involving prescribed drugs.
• The youth counterculture in the late 1960s introduced recreational illegal drug use, escalating public concern.
• Government responses shifted from medical to social explanations and finally to control measures.

Findings:

• The perception of 'the drug problem' in Norway transformed significantly between the early 1960s and late 1980s.
• Early views framed it as a medical concern, evolving to a societal issue, and later emphasizing control and deterrence.
• White papers in 1976 and 1986 marked key shifts in policy and societal understanding.

Implications:

• Understanding historical policy shifts is crucial for contemporary drug use management.
• The study highlights the dynamic interplay between societal changes, public perception, and drug policy.
• Findings inform future strategies for addressing illegal drug use and addiction.