This paper reviews intercultural variability of substance use behavior
s, including availability of international statistics on consumption o
f alcohol and other drugs, as well as the use of drugs available local
ly only. Within a conceptual framework of intercultural relations, it
considers the history of transcultural spread of substance use behavio
rs and possible reactions to the introduction of new drugs within a cu
lture or jurisdiction, including illustrations of the ''law of alien p
oisons.'' Although intercultural views of substance use have generally
concentrated on majority groups' views of substance use in minority g
roups, minority and non-Western views of substance use need to be cons
idered in the context of increasing international and intercultural co
mmunications that increase the rate at which substance use behaviors s
pread, Both Western and non-Western experiences with substance use and
misuse must be taken into account so that better interventions can be
developed to deal with addictions and other substance-related problem
s.