The policy culture of drugs: Ritalin, methadone, and the control of deviant behavior

Various concepts are introduced which may be new to most readers of sociological journals. The concepts include policy culture and the medicalization of deviant behavior. Treatment drugs such as methadone and Ritalin are discussed within a framework which utilizes these concepts. It is concluded that the policy culture surrounding the introduction and use of these drugs is highly particularistic. This process in turn tends to produce certain unintended consequences.