Contemporary Drug Policy

£39.99

Contemporary Drug Policy

Social and ethical issues Sociology Social work Crime and criminology Legal aspects of criminology Addiction and therapy

Author: Henry Brownstein

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Collection: New Directions in Critical Criminology

Language: English

Published by: Routledge

Published on: 11th February 2013

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 2 Mb

ISBN: 9781136202711


Introduction

This book focuses on the use of drugs in our lives and how we respond to them. Whereas drug policy typically centres on the problems of illicit drugs or licit drugs used in illicit ways or circumstances, Contemporary Drug Policy instead considers the wide variety of substances we call drugs as a normal part of our personal and social experience and asks how and when drugs benefit us as well as how and when they are harmful.

Purpose and Approach

The evidence is clear that at some times, in some circumstances, and in some places drugs are a problem. This book does not ignore these issues but shifts our attention to making policies that also recognize their legitimate and constructive place in society. It focuses on asking questions, challenging assumptions, and developing responses to drugs based on evidence from scientific study as directed by critical criminological theory rather than mainstream theory or unfounded assumptions.

Unique Perspective

Different from other books on drug policy, this book does not offer answers or solutions. Rather it shows how critical criminological theories can lead scientific research in new directions supportive of policies that offer both solutions to problems that are found to be related to drugs and an appreciation for the benefits that drugs can bring to people and society. This book will be of interest to those studying or researching drug policy as well as professionals involved in policy making processes.

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