Differentiating drugs by harm potential: the rational versus the feasible.
In an ideal harm reduction model, drugs would be ranked according to their potential to cause harm, with varying implications for control policies and interventions. In such a public health oriented approach, the maximum protection of the public from harm would be balanced with the least possible restriction of freedom. In reality, however, the accuracy and completeness of the necessary information for such a ranking is highly limited. Many other factors not readily incorporated in a rational model, such as values, beliefs, and traditions, also affect drug policy decisions. Thus, rather than relying on acquisition of the necessary knowledge, it may be preferable to focus efforts on developing effective nonlegal measures to reduce drug use and harm. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]
Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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D002170:Canada; D016527:Drug Costs; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics; D011634:Public Health
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations