The analysis of drug problems in Western Europe distinguishes between the costs associated with the drugs themselves and the costs related to the policy of drug control. A review of the current state of drug laws in Western Europe and in the United States notes that all European nations have adopted prohibitive models of controlling drugs, relying heavily but to varying degrees on criminal law. The contents of the drug laws in each Western European country are outlined in tabular form. An assessment of drug law enforcement indicates it has created problems of overload in the courts and in the prison system. Other consequences of prohibition are noted to be the emergence of black markets and the loss of means of control available in white markets. Some options for the future include complete legalization of drugs, partial decriminalization that distinguishes between high-risk and low-risk drugs, and the restriction of decriminalization to drug consumption and the behaviors that are prerequisites for consumption. Conclusions and recommendations on drug policy from a European drug seminar are included. 23 references.