A moral panic over synthetic drugs in the Republic of Belarus

Abstract

This paper argues that moral panic is more connected with cultural reasons, both symbolic and affective, than with group interests, social hierarchy, or power struggle. This was confirmed by an analysis of the moral panic about synthetic drugs in Belarus in 2008-2019, which evolved in several stages. In the first stage (2008-2013) the so-called “right-thinking” groups tried to classify the the synthetic drugs that appeared in Belarusian drug market. The main opposition at this stage is the status of synthetic drugs as either legal and harmless or illegal and harmful. Synthetic drugs, or the so-called «spice», were classified by “right-thinking” groups and both independent and opposition media as illegal and harmful by the end of stage zero. The status of “spice” changed from an ordinary illegal and harmful drug to a specific one targeting young people and adolescents, especially their mental health. The transition of spice as an illegal drug from something routine and profane to the position of a sacralized absolute evil, the primary threat to the youth and the future of the nation, was completed in the second stage. This status of spice finally settled in against the background of headline-making deaths and psychotic outbreaks which were perceived as violating the moral order of the society. Major outbursts of moral panic occurred during the second stage, and the discourses of “right-thinking” groups and of independent and opposition media concerning the special dangers of spice became identical. Thus, radical changes in anti-drug legislation were adopted and measures of social control were stepped up. The majority of concerned citizens responded positively to the amendments. The moral panic gradually declined during the third stage. Spice was transformed from an absolute sacred evil to a routine illegal drug again. The topic of spice become unpopular in the media after high-profile court cases were over. Finally, in 2019 the “Mothers of 328” public movement argued that humanization and revision of anti-drug policy in Belarus was long due.