Differentiating drugs by harm potential: The rational versus the feasible

In an ideal harm reduction model, drugs would be ranked according to their potential to cause harm, with varying implications for control policies and interventions. In such a public health oriented approach, the maximum prot ection of the public from harm would be balanced with the least possible re striction of freedom. In reality, however, the accuracy and completeness of the necessary information for such a ranking is highly limited. Many other factors not readily incorporated in a rational model, such as values, beli efs, and traditions, also affect drug policy decisions. Thus, rather than r elying on acquisition of the necessary knowledge, it may be preferable to f ocus efforts on developing effective nonlegal measures to reduce drug use a nd harm. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.].