Norman E. Zinberg

A Study of Social Regulatory Mechanisms in Controlled Illicit Drug Users

An ongoing study of controlled marihuana, psychedelic, and opiate users shows that long-term, moderate illicit drug use is primarily supported by rituals and social sanctions. These guidelines for use, developed by segments of the drug subculture, militate against compulsive use. This work demonstrates the necessity of viewing quality of drug use as a function of sociocultural as well as pharmacological and psychological factors. Findings suggest that a system of social controls similar to that operating for alcohol use could be a more reasonable means of preventing compulsive use than the present prohibition of any and all illicit drug use.

PATTERNS OF HEROIN USE

Since 1962 many researchers have become accustomed to thinking of drug use as a socially evolving process. In the case of heroin, however, little coherent or consistent work has been done t o delineate the patterns of use which have been evolving. This neglect results from two factors: the intransigent view that there is no choice between abstinence, on the one hand, and compulsive use, on the other; and, perhaps even more important, the lack of sound theoretical postulates to explain how an individual can exercise control over use of this powerful, psychologically and physiologically addictive intoxicant. Theoretical postulates regarding control that have been developed during studies of controlled opiate users* will be described briefly, followed by several broad patterns of heroin use uncovered during interviews with heroin users. Thirdly, recent literature on occasional use of heroin will be reviewed. Finally, questions raised by this investigation of heroin use and the need to resolve them through long-term longitudinal studies will be discussed.

Essential Factors of a Rational Policy on Intoxicant Use

We have outlined the elements of a social policy that could deal effectively with the drug problem. These elements include (1) treating drug abusers in areas other than just their drug abuse; (2) providing more accurate information in drug education programs; (3) providing a series of symbolic but genuine gestures that indicate our society is willing to make real changes; and (4) coordinating these measures with more pragmatic and swift law enforcement. This policy would not end drug use. Nothing can do that. Neither would it be a surrender nor just a repetition of an old policy that has not worked.

The Crisis in Methadone Maintenance

IN the United States, during most of this century, maintaining a patient on an addictive drug as a form of medical treatment has created painful moral problems for professionals and public alike. T...

Marijuana as Medicine

A Pierce County judge has ruled that physicians can prescribe marijuana for medical purposes. Judge Rosanne Buckner decided that lawyer [name removed], who is undergoing treatment for bone cancer, can use marijuana to ease the pain associated with chemotherapy. Buckner ruled that the patients interest in using marijuana as a medicine outweighs Washingtons interest in outlawing prescriptions for it. Assistant Attorney General Melissa Burke-Cain plans to appeal this decision.