Community Mobilization, Self-Help Approaches and Nongovernmental Voluntary Measures

Abstract

The use of psychoactive substances by human beings for recreational or religious purposes is well known. For centuries many nations have tried to apply control measures to regulate their consumption, so as to ensure “safe” use. In other words, regulations were directed to the protection of society or groups within it. Often they were introduced without scientific evidence on the part of legislators; nevertheless, it can be presumed that certain societal harm connected with the use of such substances was observed before such control or prohibition was introduced. Coffee in Turkey, alcohol in the Arab countries, is examples which come to mind immediately.