95 Documents
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Dec 2012
A Fresh Approach to Drugs: the final report of the UK Drug Policy Commission
In this report, UKDPC proposes a radical rethink of how we structure our response to drug problems. It analyses the evidence for how policies and interventions could be improved, with recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address the new and established challenges associated with drug use.
- Employment and Welfare
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Impacts of Drugs
- Legal Controls
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
- Stigma and Media
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Dec 2012
Characteristics of good governance for drug policy: findings from an expert consultation
To begin the process of exploring what may be needed to establish good governance of drug policy, UKDPC in collaboration with RAND Europe undertook an iterative expert consultation. This working paper was written to provide a detailed record of the expert consultation and the analysis at each step of the process that led to the development of the initial list of characteristics of good governance.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Dec 2012
Lessons on policy governance: what drug policy can learn from other policy areas
This briefing was commissioned as part of UKDPC’s research on drug policy governance, to tap into the Institute for Government’s extensive expertise on policy governance. While the IfG has no views on drug policy, the lessons they have drawn out from their work on good governance adds considerable value to the research components more specific to drug policy.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Dec 2012
Essays on the governance of drug policy
These four essays were commissioned as part of a wide ranging and unique study looking at how drug policy is made in the UK. The essays, written by respected drug policy and research experts, shine a light on some key issues and challenges that face policymakers and those seeking ways to improve drug policy.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Dec 2012
How to make drug policy better: key findings from UKDPC research into drug policy governance
This study of drug policy governance involved a wide range of people including current and former ministers, parliamentarians, and senior civil servants. It has identified areas where adopting new processes or structures could help to increase the effectiveness of drug policy.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Nov 2012
Dealing with the stigma of drugs: a guide for journalists
The stigma attached to drug users and the effect that has on them, their families and society is rarely reported. But the media can play an important role in increasing public understanding about the nature of the drug addiction and ways to overcome it. This guide for journalists sets out to explain the problem and suggest how the media can help.
- Stigma and Media
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Oct 2012
Domino Effects: The impact of localism and austerity on services for young people and on drug problems
This briefing reviews the changes that are occurring to services for young people at the local level and considers the potential impact of these for drug problems. The main focus of this report is on services for adolescents, generally those under 18.
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Sep 2012
Politicians’ views on drug policy
UKDPC commissioned ComRes to survey the opinions of Members of Parliament, Members of the Scottish Parliament, and Welsh Assembly Members, on UK drug policy. This note sets out the full findings of the polls, including the finding that majorities in each body think that current policy is not effective.
- Legal Controls
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Jun 2012
Analogue controls: an imperfect law
In response to increasing concern about ‘legal highs’, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommended that the government should explore the possibility of new legislation similar to the US Analogue Act. In this briefing note, Dr Les King, the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs and UKDPC set out some of the drawbacks with analogue control systems.
- Legal Controls
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Jun 2012
Commissioning for Increased Recovery: Lessons from a UKDPC seminar
This briefing highlights key issues facing those commissioning drug services at the local level as they seek to increase the numbers of people with drug problems who achieve recovery. The findings include opportunities for improving services in the current context alongside possible risks and barriers to be monitored and addressed.
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Apr 2012
Charting New Waters (summary): Delivering drug policy at a time of radical reform and financial austerity
The structures for addressing the problems associated with illicit drugs in England are experiencing an unprecedented level of change. This report looks at how these reforms, combined with budget cuts, could affect the delivery of drug services. It proposes ways in which government and local decision-makers could address the risks to future services.
- Employment and Welfare
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Apr 2012
Charting New Waters: Delivering drug policy at a time of radical reform and financial austerity
The structures for addressing the problems associated with illicit drugs in England are experiencing an unprecedented level of change. This report looks at how these reforms, combined with budget cuts, could affect the delivery of drug services.
- Employment and Welfare
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Mar 2012
Supporting adult family members of people with drug problems in Scotland
Adult family members of people with drug problems are often significantly affected by their relative’s drug use, but their needs may be overlooked. This study investigates the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems. This report presents the results of the research in Scotland.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2012
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse: A UK-wide survey of services for adult family members
Adult family members of people with drug problems are often significantly affected by their relative’s drug use, but their needs may be overlooked. This study investigates the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems. This background report presents the results of a UK-wide survey of services for adult family members.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2012
The Forgotten Carers: Support for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems
Adult family members of people with drug problems are often significantly affected by their relative’s drug use, but their needs may be overlooked. This study investigates the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2012
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse: A Review of Policy and Guidance Documents across the UK
Adult family members of people with drug problems are often significantly affected by their relative’s drug use, but their needs may be overlooked. This study investigates the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems. This background report presents a review of policy and guidance documents across the UK.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2012
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse: Qualitative Interviews with Commissioners and Service Providers in England and Scotland
Adult family members of people with drug problems are often significantly affected by their relative’s drug use, but their needs may be overlooked. This study investigates the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems. This background report presents the results of qualitative interviews with commissioners and service providers in England and Scotland.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2012
Dual diagnosis: a challenge for the reformed NHS and for Public Health England
A large proportion of people with mental health problems have co-occurring problems with drug or alcohol misuse. Likewise poor mental health is commonplace in people who have problems with drugs and alcohol. This discussion paper explores the implications of the health service reforms for meeting these challenges.
- Recovery and Treatment
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Feb 2012
Submission to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry into drugs
This submission for the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry into drugs identifies the key issues in UK drug policy that we consider require attention. We have drawn on our previous reports and submissions to identify these points, aimed at helping the Committee with its inquiry.
- Legal Controls
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Feb 2012
Illicit drugs and public health
The local and national context for addressing the problems associated with illicit drugs is changing. This paper sets out some of the issues and challenges for the delivery of drug interventions in the new public health system.
- Prevention and Public Health
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Jan 2012
Submission to the Labour Justice Policy Working Group
This submission focuses on two key issues relevant to the policy review. Firstly, it focuses on how we can reduce the impacts of drug offences on the criminal justice system. Then it looks at how the burden on the justice system of issues related to drug dependency among offenders can be addressed and reduced.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Jan 2012
Submission to the Leveson Inquiry: press reporting of illicit drug use
Use of illicit drugs is a topic of frequent interest to the UK press and public, and some aspects of the reporting are a cause for concern, with frequent examples of exaggerated and inaccurate coverage. We focus in this submission on two aspects of press coverage of issues relating to illicit drug use.
- Stigma and Media
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Oct 2011
Response to ACMD paper on control of new psychoactive substances
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has recommended that the government should consider using consumer protection legislation to assist the control of some new drugs. This would shift the burden of proof onto those who supply new drugs to prove that their products are safe.
- Legal Controls
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Oct 2011
Drug enforcement in an age of austerity: findings from a survey of police in England
This briefing describes the key findings from a survey and workshop of police officers working in drug enforcement. It suggests that the continuing pressure to save money and identify efficiences may be leading to a greater focus on policing the most visible and pressing issues in the short term.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Sep 2011
Work Capability Assessment: issues encountered by people with drug problems
The first review of the new Work Capability Assessments highlighted particular problems for people with mental disorders and other fluctuating conditions. It appears these may apply at least equally to people with drug problems.
- Employment and Welfare
- Recovery and Treatment
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Sep 2011
Response to Liberal Democrat Conference motion on drug harms
We welcome the commitment in the Conference motion to an evidence-based drug policy and support the call for the drug legislation to be reviewed. However, we have reservations about some aspects of the proposers’ conclusions and the potential impact of their proposals.
- Legal Controls
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Aug 2011
Response to the Payment by Results co-design group consultation
Developing PbR for drug recovery in a way that incentivises outcomes for treatment and recovery creates significant practical challenges for those managing the system and delivering services.
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Jun 2011
Submission to the Sentencing Council Drug Offences Guideline Consultation
We welcome the Sentencing Council’s attempts through the draft guidelines to bring better coherence and consistency to the decision-making process of the courts system. However, we believe there is a risk of missing an opportunity to bring greater evidence-based rationale and rigour to tackling drug offences.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Legal Controls
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Jun 2011
Submission to the Health Select Committee inquiry into public health
We have a number of concerns about the arrangements outlined in the Healthy Lives Healthy People white paper that are being legislated for in the Health and Social Care Bill that specifically relate to the provision of services for people with drug problems.
- Prevention and Public Health
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May 2011
Taking drugs seriously: a Demos and UKDPC report on legal highs
The emergence of mephedrone triggered a growing disquiet in the UK about ‘legal highs’: new psychoactive substances that have been manufactured and are made widely available in an uncontrolled and unregulated way to purchase in outlets and on the internet. This report explores how such drugs can be controlled to best reduce the harms their use can cause.
- Legal Controls
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May 2011
Options for regulating new psychoactive drugs: a review of recent experience
This paper is intended to provide the basis for a discussion of policy options in dealing with new psychoactive substances that show signs of popularity and of harmfulness.
- Legal Controls
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Apr 2011
Submission to the Depatment of Health consultation: Healthy Lives, Healthy People
We broadly welcome the approach in the strategy document Healthy Lives Healthy People, which places drug misuse and dependence in a Public Health context that recognises the role of inequality and disadvantage in promoting and sustaining poor health outcomes.
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2011
Briefing for the House of Lords on drug control issues
This short briefing paper was prepared by UKDPC for a Question for Short Debate: Lord Norton of Louth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to establishing a Royal Commission on the law governing drug use and possession.
- Legal Controls
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Mar 2011
Submission to the Ministry of Justice consultation: Breaking the Cycle
This response to the consultation “Breaking the Cycle” concentrates on those aspects relating to drug-related offenders. We welcome and broadly supports the general thrust of the proposals set out in the Green Paper and the conclusions reached relating to the importance of engaging drug-related offenders in treatment in order to improve longer term recovery and rehabilitation prospects.
- Employment and Welfare
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Feb 2011
Getting serious about stigma in Scotland: the problem with stigmatising drug users
The stigmatisation of people with drug problems has serious consequences for the delivery of government policy. Key policies such as those seeking greater reintegration and recovery and to move people from benefits into work will not succeed while stigmatising attitudes are pervasive. This report describes the findings and implications of the research in Scotland.
- Stigma and Media
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Feb 2011
Getting serious about stigma in Scotland: the problem with stigmatising drug users (summary)
The stigmatisation of people with drug problems has serious consequences for the delivery of government policy. Key policies such as those seeking greater reintegration and recovery and to move people from benefits into work will not succeed while stigmatising attitudes are pervasive. This report summarises the findings and implications of the research in Scotland.
- Stigma and Media
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Feb 2011
By their fruits… Applying payment by results to drugs recovery
This briefing reviews the possible impacts of the introduction of payment by results (PbR) for treatment and recovery services for problem drug users. It outlines how PbR works, examines how it has been used elsewhere, and discusses the issues and challenges that will affect its introduction for drug treatment.
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Jan 2011
Submission to the Committee for the Editors’ Code of Practice
In this submission to the Editors’ Code Committee, we ask the Code Committee to consider whether the Code and associated guidance might be strengthened to cover prejudicial and pejorative references to people recovering from drug dependence and addiction problems.
- Stigma and Media
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Jan 2011
Briefing for the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill Committee
The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill proposes the introduction of new powers to make temporary banning orders for new drugs, and removal of the requirement for the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to have members with certain specified scientific expertise.
- Legal Controls
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Dec 2010
Attitudes to drug dependence: survey results
Stigma is widely believed to present a ‘hidden’ barrier that many people with drug problems and their families experience. We therefore commissioned a survey of public attitudes to investigate the extent and nature of stigma and unfair behaviour towards people with a history of drug dependence and their families and the impact this has on their lives.
- Employment and Welfare
- Stigma and Media
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Dec 2010
Representations of drug use and drug users in the British press
Research has suggested that the media conveys a mainly negative impression which ‘demonises’ and ‘marginalises’ drugs users and misrepresents drugs users, drug use and its effects. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic study of the coverage of drug users and drug use in print media in the UK.
- Stigma and Media
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Dec 2010
Getting serious about stigma: the problem with stigmatising drug users (summary)
The stigmatisation of people with drug problems has serious consequences for the delivery of government policy. Key policies such as those seeking greater reintegration and recovery and to move people from benefits into work will not succeed while stigmatising attitudes are pervasive. This report summarises the findings and implications of the full UKDPC work on stigma.
- Stigma and Media
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Dec 2010
Drug policy: getting the strategy right for the long term
This briefing for MPs aims to give a realistic, practical and above all evidence-based assessment of the options and priorities for both the Drug Strategy and for longer term policy development. It identifies five priorities for an effective drug strategy for the long term.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Oct 2010
Payment by results for drug services: key issues
This short briefing highlights some of the issues that need to be considered if Payment by Results (PbR) is to be introduced to the drug treatment and rehabilitation sector. They have come from a seminar that brought together a range of stakeholders and experts in the field.
- Employment and Welfare
- Recovery and Treatment
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Sep 2010
Sinning and sinned against: the stigmatisation of problem drug users
The stigmatisation of people with drug problems has serious consequences for the delivery of government policy. Key policies such as those seeking greater reintegration and recovery and to move people from benefits into work will not succeed while stigmatising attitudes are pervasive. This report summarises what the research evidence has to tell us about the stigmatisation of problem drug users.
- Stigma and Media
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Sep 2010
Submission to the 2010 Drug Strategy Consultation
This submission to the 2010 Drug Strategy consultation includes responses on broad questions of how the government can approach problems associated with the use of illicit drugs through the Strategy, as well as more detailed concerns and proposals.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Aug 2010
Getting serious about stigma: the problem with stigmatising drug users
The stigmatisation of people with drug problems has serious consequences for the delivery of government policy. Key policies such as those seeking greater reintegration and recovery and to move people from benefits into work will not succeed while stigmatising attitudes are pervasive. This report describes the findings and implications of the full UKDPC work on stigma.
- Stigma and Media
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Jul 2010
The impact of drugs on different minority groups: disabled people
This review is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of disabled people.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
The impact of drugs on different minority groups: ethnic minority groups
This review is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of ethnic minority groups.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
The impact of drugs on different minority groups: ethnicity and drug treatment
This review is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the impact of ethnicity on treatment for drug problems.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
- Recovery and Treatment
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Jul 2010
The impact of drugs on different minority groups: LGBT groups
This review is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
Drugs and diversity: disabled people (policy briefing)
This policy briefing is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of disabled people.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
Drugs and diversity: ethnic minority groups (policy briefing)
This policy briefing is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of ethnic minority groups.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
Drugs and diversity: LGBT groups (policy briefing)
This policy briefing is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Jul 2010
Drugs and diversity: implications for policy and practice
This policy briefing is part of a wider programme of work undertaken by UKDPC to provide an overview of the differing needs and challenges associated with drug use among diverse minority communities within the UK. It focuses on the implications of the research for policy and practice.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Prevention and Public Health
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Apr 2010
Submission to the Social Security Advisory Committee
In this submission to the Social Security (Welfare Reform Drugs Recovery Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010, we welcome many aspects of the policy proposals. However, we raise a number of concerns, particularly concerning the use of evidence and evaluation.
- Employment and Welfare
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Nov 2009
Adult family members and carers of dependent drug users: prevalence, social cost, resource savings and treatment responses
This report presents the results of a UKDPC study on adult family members of drug users. This group are frequently an unrecognised, unappreciated and unpaid resource providing support to their drug-using relatives. The shame and stigma they often feel can lead to isolation and make them reluctant to seek help.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Recovery and Treatment
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Nov 2009
Supporting the supporters: families of drug misusers (policy briefing)
This briefing highlights the key findings and implications of the UKDPC study on adult family members of drug users. This group are frequently an unrecognised, unappreciated and unpaid resource providing support to their drug-using relatives. The shame and stigma they often feel can lead to isolation and make them reluctant to seek help.
- Impacts of Drugs
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Nov 2009
Submission to Sir David Omand’s review of the ACMD
The current level of expenditure on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs represents extraordinary value fore money. But it is a cause for concern that such an important scientific and expert advisory body has such limited resources to spend on research and analysis to underpin and inform its deliberations.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Sep 2009
Tackling drug supply awards 2009: case studies
The annual Tackling Drug Supply Awards were established to recognise outstanding drug enforcement operations across the United Kingdom. While the reduction of drug availability has remained the goal of supply-side activity, this is explicitly linked to harm reduction.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Jul 2009
Moving towards real impact drug enforcement: strategy and policy implications
This briefing considers the role of enforcement agencies in the reduction of harms caused by illicit drug use and drug markets and related enforcement activity. It presents a ‘Real Impact Drug Enforcement’ approach, backed up by case study examples and practical tools.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Jul 2009
Refocusing drug-related law enforcement to address harms
This report describes the findings of a UKDPC project that seeks to consider how an explicit refocusing of drug law enforcement on the reduction of drug-related harms could deliver a real impact on the drug-related harms experienced by individuals and communities.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Jul 2009
Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Panel: drug offences
We commend the thoughtful analysis and proposals laid out in the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s consultation paper. Taken in conjunction with the SGC revised Magistrates Court Sentencing Guidelines of May 2008, they represent a more proportionate response to the problems posed by breaches of the controlled drug legislation.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Legal Controls
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Jun 2009
Submission to the Home Affairs Committee cocaine trade inquiry
This submission raises a number of issues, focusing on evidence relating to the cocaine market. We make a number of conclusions to address harms from recreational and problematic cocaine use and markets.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Legal Controls
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May 2009
Submission to the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee inquiry: scientific evidence
This memorandum provides a brief description of the use of scientific evidence within drug policy and reaches some conclusions about how this can be improved. It concludes that there is a strong case for a substantive increase in the proportion of investment in research and evaluation.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Mar 2009
Employers’ readiness to recruit problem drug users
In this article in Drugs and Alcohol Today, we argue that more attention needs to be given to addressing employers’ concerns about risks associated with hiring recovering drug users and challenging negative stereotypes and stigma if ambitions to get this group back to work are to be realised.
- Employment and Welfare
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Feb 2009
Submission to the road safety compliance consultation: drug driving
This submission urges caution in introducing new legislation for drug-driving related offences. We are not convinced from the evidence available that a proposed new offence of drug driving as outlined would help make the regulation of drug driving more effective, nor that it would be a proportionate and cost effective response.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Legal Controls
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Feb 2009
Submission to the Work and Pensions Committee inquiry: the Equality Bill
This memorandum invites the Work and Pensions Committee to consider whether the definition of disability as understood through the disability discrimination legislation should be clarified so as to explicitly include substance misuse addiction; and the issue of fairness and equality for those who experience unequal treatment and discrimination on the grounds of their substance misuse addiction.
- Employment and Welfare
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Jan 2009
Safer Communities Special Issue: Law enforcement to reduce drug harms
This special edition of Safer Communities, edited by UKDPC, considers the role of enforcement in reducing the harms caused by drugs. It draws on the publication, Tackling Drug Markets and Distribution Networks in the UK.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Legal Controls
- Prevention and Public Health
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Dec 2008
Getting problem drug users (back) into employment: social security and problem drug users: law and policy
Studies have shown that up to 80% of problem drug users are unemployed, yet work has been shown to be an important component of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of relapse. This report identifies law and policy on social security and problem drug users.
- Employment and Welfare
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Dec 2008
Sentencing drug users
This article in Magistrate magazine suggests that community sentences are likely to be just as good as custodial sentences at reducing reoffending and drug use and, given the high costs of prison, they are likely to offer better value for money.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Dec 2008
Getting problem drug users (back) into employment: employer, provider and service user perspectives
Studies have shown that up to 80% of problem drug users are unemployed, yet work has been shown to be an important component of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of relapse. This report provides different perspectives on the issue: covering employers, providers, and service users.
- Employment and Welfare
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Dec 2008
Working towards recovery: getting problem drug users into jobs
Up to 80% of problem drug users are unemployed, yet work has been shown to be an important component of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of relapse. This report reaches a wide range of conclusions on getting problem drug users ‘fit for the job’ and addressing employers’ concerns.
- Employment and Welfare
- Recovery and Treatment
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Dec 2008
Working towards recovery: getting problem drug users into jobs (summary)
Studies have shown that up to 80% of problem drug users are unemployed, yet work has been shown to be an important component of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of relapse. This summary provides an overview of a wide range of conclusions on getting problem drug users ‘fit for the job’ and addressing employers’ concerns.
- Employment and Welfare
- Recovery and Treatment
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Sep 2008
How can enforcement agencies reduce drug harm?
This article in Police Professional, by UKDPC Commissioner David Blakey, asks how enforcement agencies can reduce drug harm. It draws on findings that drug markets are extremely resilient to supply-side enforcement efforts.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Prevention and Public Health
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Sep 2008
The role of drug testing in the criminal justice system
This article in Drug and Alcohol Today argues that, despite a considerable increase in drug testing within the criminal justice system through schemes such as the drug interventions programme, research is equivocal about its added value.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Sep 2008
Submission to the ACMD ecstasy classification review
Therefore this paper does not offer evidence that is specific to the classification of ecstasy but aims to demonstrate that a wider review of the classification system is now overdue. In reaching its final conclusions on ecstasy, we hope the ACMD will not miss the opportunity to highlight the wider issues outlined in this paper.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Legal Controls
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Sep 2008
Submission to the Conservative Party Justice Team: prisons with a purpose
Nothing short of a ‘revolution’ is required both in terms of healthcare services and throughcare and aftercare management of offenders. Reforms should be underpinned by a principle that the CJS has a duty to facilitate the recovery of people from addiction.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Aug 2008
Recovery: finding common ground
This article in Druglink outlines the findings of the Recovery Consensus Group. It argues that ‘abstinence or maintenance’ is a false and damaging debate.
- Employment and Welfare
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Jul 2008
A vision of recovery: UKDPC recovery consensus group (summary)
An increasingly polarised debate has developed in the UK which has tended to portray abstinence and maintenance approaches to drug treatment as an ‘either/or’ issue. At its most extreme, the debate appears to suggest that substitute prescribing is incompatible with recovery. This document summarises the findings of the consensus group.
- Recovery and Treatment
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Jul 2008
A vision of recovery: UKDPC recovery consensus group
An increasingly polarised debate has developed in the UK which has tended to portray abstinence and maintenance approaches to drug treatment as an ‘either/or’ issue. At its most extreme, the debate appears to suggest that substitute prescribing is incompatible with recovery.
- Recovery and Treatment
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Jul 2008
Tackling drug markets and distribution networks in the UK
This report sets out the main findings from a review of the recent literature on strategies to tackle illicit drug markets and distribution networks in the UK. While the illicit drugs trade is both global in scope and vast in scale, effective strategies for tackling local drug markets have to be built on a rounded understanding of the relationships between markets and communities.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Jul 2008
Tackling drug markets and distribution networks in the UK (summary)
This report summarises the main findings from a review of the recent literature on strategies to tackle illicit drug markets and distribution networks in the UK. While the illicit drugs trade is both global in scope and vast in scale, effective strategies for tackling local drug markets have to be built on a rounded understanding of the relationships between markets and communities.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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May 2008
Submission to the Substance Misuse Strategy for Wales
This short paper provides key points relating specifically to the Welsh strategy consultation strategy: ‘Working Together to Reduce Harm.’ The overall focus on reducing harm is welcomed as it is well supported by the evidence, as is the emphasis on making support for substance misusers the ‘cornerstone’ of the strategy.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Apr 2008
Are criminal justice interventions working?
This article in Drink and Drug News asks whether criminal justice interventions working well enough to justify the significant investment in them. It draws on the findings of the UKDPC report Reducing Drug Use, Reducing Reoffending
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
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Mar 2008
Reducing drug use, reducing reoffending: consultations with stakeholders
UKDPC conducted a major review of the evidence for the effectiveness for reducing drug use and reoffending of treatment and support services for drug-dependent offenders. This report contains the results of consultations with key stakeholders.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2008
The treatment and supervision of drug-dependent offenders
UKDPC commissioned a major review of the evidence for the effectiveness for reducing drug use and reoffending of treatment and support services for drug-dependent offenders. This report sets out the findings from a review of the literature on the effective treatment and supervision of drug-dependent offenders.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2008
Reducing drug use, reducing reoffending
UKDPC conducted a major review of the evidence for the effectiveness for reducing drug use and reoffending of treatment and support services for drug-dependent offenders. This report provides the full findings of the research.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Mar 2008
Reducing drug use, reducing reoffending (summary)
UKDPC conducted a major review of the evidence for the effectiveness for reducing drug use and reoffending of treatment and support services for drug-dependent offenders. This report summarises the findings of the research.
- Enforcement, Crime and Justice
- Recovery and Treatment
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Jan 2008
Submission to the ACMD cannabis classification review
This written evidence is our response to the ACMD’s cannabis classification review. We find no compelling new evidence which would require the ACMD to alter its recommendation in 2006 to keep cannabis classified as Class C.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Legal Controls
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Dec 2007
Addressing the lack of knowledge underpinning the drug strategy
Following consultation with members of the academic and drug research community, the UK Drug Policy Commission has identified key gaps in the knowledge base underpinning the drug strategy and the ‘top 10’ are highlighted.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Oct 2007
Submission to DWP Green Paper: No One Written Off
We fully support the intentions of the DWP Green Paper to increase the level of practical support to get unemployed PDUs into contact with treatment and help them obtain employment. However, we have concerns about the proposed measures and would suggest that the development of a system that encourages voluntary, rather than mandatory, disclosure might be better.
- Employment and Welfare
- Recovery and Treatment
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Oct 2007
Submission to the 2007 Drug Strategy Consultation
This paper represents our response to the UK Government’s Drug Strategy Consultation announced in July 2007. It remains unclear to what extent many of the interventions under the current strategy have resulted in positive outcomes and represent good value for money.
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Apr 2007
An analysis of UK drug policy
This wide-ranging study was published to provide the context and analysis for the launch of UKDPC. It outlines the scale and nature of the UK drug problem, assesses the evidence relating to it and analyses the impact of current policies.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Strategies, Policies and Systems
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Apr 2007
An analysis of UK drug policy (summary)
This wide-ranging study was published to provide the context and analysis for the launch of UKDPC. It outlines the scale and nature of the UK drug problem, assesses the evidence relating to it and analyses the impact of current policies. This document is the summary of the report.
- Impacts of Drugs
- Strategies, Policies and Systems