A “Parliamentary Inquiry” into Alcohol and Drugs: A Survey of Psychoactive Substance Use and Gambling among Members of the Dutch Parliament

Abstract

In the fall of 1994 a survey was conducted on the use of alcohol and drugs and on gambling among members of the Dutch parliament. The survey indicated that almost two-thirds of the representatives sampled supported legalization of marijuana. A smaller majority (57%) was in favor of reducing the number of coffee shops selling marijuana. At least a quarter of the members of parliament had used marijuana themselves at one time or other. Alcohol consumption could be said to be “excessive” or “very excessive” for nearly 10% of the members of parliament. In general, the nature and extent of the parliamentarians' substance use was comparable to that in the Dutch general population.

Key Words:

• Alcohol use
• Drug use
• Gambling
• Politicians