ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the issue of mutual interaction between the changing situation in the drug scene and drug policies, i.e. the manner how society responds to the problems. It starts with the assumption that the drug policy of each country consists of a number of elements that limit the rights, possibilities, responsibilities and competencies of the actors, i.e. individuals and social subjects, in particular areas. Drug policy is a response of society to problems induced by drugs; however, it is seldom a direct response to a particular problem, it is rather the result of professional and political attitudes that prevail. Drugs cause problems in many sectors of society; therefore, it is necessary to use various indicators for the evaluation of the relevance and significance of drug-related problems.
