NORMAL DRUG USE: ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELDWORK AMONG AN ADULT NETWORK OF RECREATIONAL DRUG USERS IN INNER LONDON

Abstract

A key debate in late 1990s Britain is the "normalization" of illicit drug use among young people. This qualitative research study explores recreational drug use (mainly cannabis and cocaine) among an adult friendship network in an inner London neighborhood. It finds that the use of these drugs is accepted as a normal and routine aspect of daily life. In addition to patterns of drug consumption and drug dealing, some aspects of risk perception are also described. Adults are neglected in current UK drug policy debates. "Normal" adult recreational drug use poses the need for a new public health policy agenda for the new century.