DRUG POLICIES, PRICES, AND WEALTH

Abstract

To ensure both high prices and low prevalence rates of regular consumption of illicit substances, repressive elements dominate in the drug policies of European countries. The national drug policies differ considerably, however, to the extent in which repressive measures are taken against drug users as well. Starting from a theoretical reconstruction of the main ideas and problems of drug prohibition, this paper examines whether and how heroin and cocaine prices in European countries vary with successful supply-side drug law enforcement (i.e. seizures), national wealth levels, and the strictness of repressive orientations towards drug demand. It concludes with a brief description of experiences with an alternative policy towards heroin addicts (namely the medical prescription of narcotics in Switzerland).

Keywords:

• Prices
• Prohibition
• Wealth