The Construction of the Concept of Drugs: A Foucaultian Analysis From the Perspective of the Subject of Desire

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the current phenomenon of drugs, drug addiction and drug trafficking in Latin America has specific features according to the social and economic reality and the specific policies adopted in each country. However, we can demarcate common traits, central elements to the comprehension of this phenomenon that form the basis for the deliberation and mutual transnational agreement that is required. The first point of discussion and analysis that we propose is the concept of drug and the power relations that its definition implies. In this essay, the analysis is achieved by using a genealogical perspective and its relationship to the concepts of prohibition, crime, illegality and victim that are overlapped in the foucaultian formulation of the subject of desire, in order to demonstrate the ethical and social implications that detach themselves from it.