Catalog
PDF - Reflections on the concept of coherency for a policy on psychoactive substances and beyond (2012)
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 mey 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 Pompidou Group
1. Policy coherence framework: context, systems, measurement
2. Policy coherence: notes towards a concept
3. Austria
Integration and coherence of policies for alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco in Austria: the past 100 years
4. Belgium
The long road to an integral and integrated policy in Belgium
5. Ireland
Coherency of Irish policies on illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco
6. Israel
The evolution of an integrated and coherent policy on drugs and alcohol in Israel
7. The Netherlands
Some contextual aspects of Dutch policy on psychoactive substances
8. Norway
Coherence of Norwegian policy for alcohol, narcotic drugs and tobacco
9. Portugal
A Portuguese insight into coherent policy
10. Switzerland
From policies on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs to a Swiss addiction policy
11. Summary and conclusion
Appendix: Pompidou Group publications from the Council of Europe
Please note that in accordance with our terms & conditions, PDF/epubs may only be purchased by private individuals.