Practicing Risk Control in a Socially Disapproved Area: Swedish Socially Integrated Drug Users and Their Perception of Risks

Abstract

Based on socio-cultural theories of risk and through individual conversational interviews with socially integrated drug users in Stockholm, Sweden, this article examines the informants' perception of drug-related risk and risk management. The analysis further examines these perceptions in relation to core Swedish cultural ideals of conscientiousness. The research shows that the informants have a sophisticated system of controlling their drug use and that this is based on a modified form of core Swedish cultural ideals. The article proposes that this has bearing for prevention policies which often neglect the cultural and social context connected to drug related risks perception and management.