Cleaning the people's home: recent developments in Sweden's addiction policy.

Abstract

Legislation has recently been passed in the Swedish parliament to criminalize drug use and widen the powers of the authorities to take adult alcoholics and drug addicts into care. The arguments and debates that have led to these measures are described, drawing on official reports, legislative proposals and parliamentary proceedings. The Swedish attempt to create a drug-free society is linked with recent economic problems, a temperance tradition, and a strong cultural desire for order. These have contributed towards a climate which two pressure groups in particular have manipulated to their advantage.