Abstrakt
It is argued that substance use is a serious social problem in most countries around the world and that substance use varies substantially across time and space. This variation is significantly determined by changes in economic, social, and cultural factors, and in this respect, post-communist countries are a particular target of research interest.
They have in common a post-communist past and increasing substance use at present, especially among young people. However, they chose very different transition strategies and implemented different public policies after 1989, and thus, formed a unique kind of natural experiment conditions.
Moreover, former communist countries underwent substantial changes in practically all spheres of life (from economy and politics to health care and social services) since 1989. Thus, analysis of the development in these countries may also elucidate the effects of transformation upon substance use.