Addictions are viewed from a public health standpoint, not a criminal justice standpoint. Though the Dutch uphold laws regarding the sale and possession of drugs, the health and well being of people, even addicts, is more important than locking people up for drug use. Certainly the legalization of Marijuana is evidence of this. Cannabis products can be purchased only at designated places, most of which are coffee houses, in Amsterdam and other large Dutch cities. Further, offering hemp products in this form lessons the likelihood that initial experimentation with pot will occur by way of a relationship with a drug dealer, many of whom are very interested in getting users off cannibis and on harder, more profitable drugs.
Prostitution is viewed the same way, no big deal and something to be kept out in the open.
The profession is both accepted and respected. Rather than a black and white view of change, the Dutch see high risk behavior occurring along a continuum from excess to moderation to abstinence. A spectrum of treatment approaches are offered to drug and alcohol users. This means that individuals are welcome to take part in services, regardless of level of motivation for change, goals or personal ideology. Harm Reduction proponents differentiate between the functional model and the Community model .