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Controlling Drug Users: Forms of Power and Behavioural Regulation in Drug Treatment Services

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  • Matthew Bacon
  • Toby Seddon

Abstract

This article examines the control practices used in drug treatment services to regulate the behaviour of people with drug problems. Drawing on an extensive qualitative study, we developed a conceptual framework, integrating the notion of responsive regulation with Wrong’s sociology of power. The picture that emerges is of a complex ‘web of controls’, combining diverse forms of power and control techniques, used to steer action and shape behavioural outcomes. It is argued that we can understand these control practices within drug treatment as part of broader strategies for the social regulation of the poor, built on deep-rooted hybrids of punishment and welfare. The article concludes with the suggestion that drug treatment represents an important site for understanding penal power today.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Bacon & Toby Seddon, 2020. "Controlling Drug Users: Forms of Power and Behavioural Regulation in Drug Treatment Services," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 60(2), pages 403-421.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:crimin:v:60:y:2020:i:2:p:403-421.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/bjc/azz055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Black, Julia, 2002. "Critical reflections on regulation," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 35985, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Moore, David, 2009. "'Workers', 'clients' and the struggle over needs: Understanding encounters between service providers and injecting drug users in an Australian city," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(6), pages 1161-1168, March.
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