Construction and Handling of Drug Problems in Denmark from the 1870s to the 1980s

Abstract

Aim To present a historical account of how addiction has been conceptualized and handled in Denmark from the 1870s to the 1980s. Design Analytically the account is inspired by elements from Michel Foucaults archeology of knowledge by focusing on how established ways of thinking, talking and acting in relation to drugs and drug use from time to time were challenged by changes with regard to which drugs were used, how they were used and by whom they were used. Findings The account is structured in four parts that covers the dominating ways of conceptualizing and handling drug related problems in four different periods. These periods are: (1) the era of ‘chronic morphinism’, (2) the era of ‘euphomania’ and the emergence of drug use as a criminological issue, (3) the era of ‘youth-euphomania’ and (4) the emergence of harm reduction as a way to conceptualize and handle drug related problems.