Thus, with a view toward redefinition of the problem and policy reform, it is critical that all forms of causation, including institutional, be examined.
The analyst should begin with remote causes. Remote causes are evident in the drug policy of interdiction and enforcement, which in the process of vice control also creates a strong black market for drug production and sale around the world. This raises the price and encourages new entrants into the market, thus ensuring sustained supplies of crack and powder cocaine, heroin, and related drugs to consumers in the United States. Analysis of remote causes must also include demand as well as supply. Demand for drugs is a function of a number of factors, including the risk of being caught (which is related to the efficacy of enforcement programs). From the supply perspective, the chance is slim that US drug policies can reduce supplies of drugs around the world, making the price so high for drug consumers that they revert to alcohol and cigarettes. In addition, despite political support among several influential circles, the chances of illegal drugs being legalized are slim. In the minds of many legislators and their perceived base of supporters, legalization of drugs would be a defeat for the traditional culture of personal responsibility and self-control; it would be an admission of defeat for crime control advocates who dominate policy debates. These are remote causes and consequences that cannot be changed in the short run