2014
The DAISy project (December 2014)
Managed by ISD, commissioned by the Scottish Government Drugs Policy Unit and Alcohol Policy Team
United Kingdom Drug Situation (December 2014)
Annual Report to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (Public Health England)
ACMD letter to the Home Secretary, December 2014 (December 2014)
The chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) writes to Theresa May about government priorities (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and Home Office)
Drug policy in Sweden: a repressive approach that increases harm (December 2014)
The central aim of Swedish drug policy is to create a drug-free society. To achieve this aim, the country has adopted a punitive, enforcement-led approach to drugs. It is this approach, some have argued, that is responsible for Sweden’s historically low levels of drug use (TDPF)
Data co-ordination overview of drug misuse 2013 (December 2014)
Similar to previous years, this data report provides a comprehensive overview of the activity and outcomes that have been achieved by statutory and voluntary agencies working in the area of substance misuse (Health Service Executive, Ireland)
Residential rehabilitation: state of the sector in 2014 (December 2014)
Report of a survey of providers and commissioners of residential services (Public Health England)
‘Third generation’ synthetic cannabinoids (November 2014)
Report presented to the crime prevention minister recommends a revised generic description, designed to control a broad-range of ‘third generation’ synthetic cannabinoids (AMCD)
New drug description to help ban family of legal highs (November 2014)
A revised description of cannabinoid-based drugs is needed to ban a dangerous new generation of legal highs, says the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
So-called ‘legal’ highs linked to deaths to be banned in UK (November 2014)
Two so-called ‘legal’ highs linked to deaths across Europe are set to be banned, the government announced (Home Office)
Why the UK’s drug strategy should remain a Home Office responsibility (November 2014)
Handing the reins to the Department of Health might seem a liberal-minded approach, but it could mean less is spent on treatment (Paul Hayes, The Guardian)
National report 2014: Bosnia and Herzegovina (November 2014)
This report has been produced by a national working group within the European Union financed EMCDDA-IPA project, ‘Preparation of IPA Beneficiaries for their participation with the EMCDDA’. It describes the overall picture of the drug phenomenon in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EMCDDA)
National report 2013: Albania (November 2014)
This report has been produced by a national working group within the European Union financed EMCDDA-IPA project, ‘Preparation of IPA Beneficiaries for their participation with the EMCDDA’. It describes the overall picture of the drug phenomenon in Albania (EMCDDA)
National report 2014: Serbia (November 2014)
This report has been produced by a national working group within the European Union financed EMCDDA-IPA project, ‘Preparation of IPA Beneficiaries for their participation with the EMCDDA’. It describes the overall picture of the drug phenomenon in Serbia (EMCDDA)
National report 2014: Kosovo (November 2014)
This report has been produced by a national working group within the European Union financed EMCDDA-IPA project, ‘Preparation of IPA Beneficiaries for their participation with the EMCDDA’. It describes the overall picture of the drug phenomenon in Kosovo (EMCDDA)
Report summary: synthetic stimulant 4,4′-DMAR (November 2014)
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ report on the synthetic stimulant known as 4,4’-DMAR
Report summary: synthetic opioid MT-45 (November 2014)
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ report on the synthetic opioid known as MT-45
America’s drug policies have done little more than make the most dangerous drugs even riskier (November 2014)
Daniel Faris looks at U.S. drug policy, and argues that we should look to emulate countries such as Germany, Canada and Australia, which have introduced supervised injection sites, as a way to remove as much danger as possible and to begin a societal discussion about how best to treat the problem of drug abuse (LSE USApp blog)
New funding available for drug and alcohol recovery (November 2014)
Application process for new £10 million capital funding for drug and alcohol recovery services in England has been announced (Public Health England)
Addiction services in England: in need of an intervention (November 2014)
Over the past 5 years, government initiatives to increase cost-effectiveness have opened up bidding for local services to third-party providers. With increased competition, the thinking went, bloated NHS trusts would sharpen their edges and the quality of care would be improved. But …(The Lancet)
Time limiting opioid substitution therapy (November 2014)
Report to Lynne Featherstone in response to Norman Baker’s request for advice on whether opioid substitution therapy should be time limited (Government UK)
New report sees progress being made in tackling substance misuse (October 2014)
The ‘2014 Substance Misuse Annual Report’, published today, outlines the progress being made to tackle substance misuse throughout Wales (Welsh Government)
Seizures of drugs in England and Wales, financial year ending 2014 (October 2014)
Contains the number of drug seizures made and quantity of drugs seized (Home Office)
New psychoactive substances review: report of the expert panel (October 2014)
Report looks into the effectiveness and issues of the UK’s current legislative and operational response to NPS and the ongoing challenges (Home Office)
Response to expert panel report on the new psychoactive substances review (October 2014)
Government’s response to the recommendations and advice made by the expert panel reviewing the UK’s response to new psychoactive substances (Home Office)
Drugs policy – Written statement to Parliament (October 2014)
This written ministerial statement was laid on 30 October 2014 in the House of Commons by Norman Baker and in the House of Lords by Lords Bates of Banbaurgh (Home Office)
Drugs: international comparators (October 2014)
Report on the 2013 to 2014 international comparators study of approaches to drug-related issues by the UK and other countries. This is a supporting document to the 2010 drug strategy (Home Office)
Guidance on restricting the supply of nitrous oxide for recreational use (October 2014)
Provides information on nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, and suggests some enforcement options for restricting its sale for recreational use (Home Office)
Precursor chemical licensing (October 2014)
Licence and registration application information for companies that deal in precursor chemicals (Home Office)
Commissioning letter to the ACMD: synthetic cannabinoids (October 2014)
Government commissioning letter to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for advice on defining controlled synthetic cannabinoids (Home Office)
Precursor chemical licensing (October 2014)
Licence and registration application information for companies that deal in precursor chemicals (Home Office)
Precursor chemical licensing (October 2014)
Licence and registration application information for companies that deal in precursor chemicals (Home Office)
Illicit drug markets in Ireland (October 2014)
Through in-depth research with people involved in the illicit drug market in Ireland, as drug users or sellers, as professionals responding to it or as residents affected by it, this research fills a significant knowledge gap in this important area of Irish drug policy (NACDA)
Evidence from the frontline (October 2014)
How policy changes are affecting people experiencing multiple needs (MEAM)
Review of Drug and Alcohol Commissioning (October 2014)
A joint review conducted by Public Health England and the Association of Directors of Public Health
Changes to commissioning for victims’ services – implications for the substance misuse sector in London (October 2014)
The aim of this article is to briefly discuss MoJ plans to enhance support for victims and witnesses (priority 1) and consider some of the implications and opportunities for the substance misuse sector (LDAN)
The Greater Manchester Alcohol Strategy 2014–2017 (September 2014)
The strategy reflects both the complexity of the challenges we face, and our collective resolve to meet these challenges with a considered, resolute and integrated response
Circular 014/2014: lawful supply of foil (August 2014)
Announces a change to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 regarding the lawful supply of foil by persons employed or engaged in the provision of drug treatment services (Government, UK)
Young people’s opinions on alcohol and other drugs policy – national survey results (August 2014)
Australia’s largest ever survey of young people’s opinions on drug and alcohol policy has found most young people are well-informed and well-placed to contribute to future policy direction, say researchers from UNSW Australia (NDARC)
The Quality Principles: Standard Expectations of Care and Support in Drug and Alcohol Services (August 2014)
To ensure anyone looking to address their problem drug and/or alcohol use receives high-quality treatment and support that assists long-term, sustained recovery and keeps them safe from harm (Scottish Government)
The safer management of controlled drugs (August 2014)
New regulations governing the management and use of controlled drugs came into force in April 2013 (Care Quality Commission)
All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse (August 2014)
Manifesto 2015
Planning for Marijuana: The Cannabis Conundrum (August 2014)
This outline of common land use regulatory models and a replicable analytical model help practitioners develop ordinances that square with their own communities’ goals, values, and attributes (Journal of the American Planning Association)
Forensic early warning system (FEWS) annual report (August 2014)
Annual report on the Home Office forensic early warning system, which identifies new psychoactive substances in the UK (Home Office, UK)
Ambitious for recovery (August 2014)
Tackling drug and alcohol addiction in the UK (The Centre for Social Justice)
Ketamine rescheduling consultation (August 2014)
This consultation seeks your views on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ (ACMD) recommendation to reschedule ketamine to Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (as amended) (the 2001 Regulations)
Inquiry into new psychoactive substances (“legal highs”) (August 2014)
The National Assembly for Wales’s Health and Social Care Committee is currently looking into the issue of new psychoactive substances – also known as legal highs – in Wales
Home Office approved kits for testing controlled substances (August 2014)
This circular provides advice on drug testing kits that have been approved for the purpose of testing substances suspected to be controlled drugs (Home Office)
Controlled drugs list (August 2014)
The following is a list of the most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation showing their respective classifications under both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Home Office)
Government response to ACMD advice on ketamine (July 2014)
Norman Baker, Minister for Crime Prevention, writes to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs regarding the reclassification of ketamine (Home Office)
ACMD members’ register of interests (July 2014)
Register of interests for the members of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Response to The New York Times Editorial Board’s Call for Federal Marijuana Legalization (July 2014)
The editorial ignores the science and fails to address public health problems associated with increased marijuana use. Here are the facts: (ONDCP)
Temazepan advice (July 2014)
Response to letter from Norman Baker requesting advice on temazepan from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
Use of psychoactive substances in research: letter (July 2014)
Letter from Home Office Drugs and Alcohol Unit to Les Iversen provides feedback on a departmental scoping exercise that investigated whether controlled drug legislation is impeding the use of Schedule 1 psychoactive substances in legitimate research (Government, UK)
Report on the conference on the National Drugs Strategy (July 2014)
On 16 January 2014, the Department of Health hosted a half-day conference on the National Drugs Strategy for those in the government, statutory, community and voluntary sectors working in the drugs and alcohol field (Ireland)
A drug policyfor the 21st century (July 2014)
The Obama Administration’s plan to reduce drug use and its consequences—the National Drug Control Strategy—represents a 21st century approach to drug policy (White House, USA)
Circular 011/2014: changes to Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 – khat (June 2014)
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2014 classifies khat as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Government, UK)
NPS report: tryptamines (June 2014)
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs publishes recommendations and report on the new psychoactive substance tryptamines (Government, UK)
NPS report: AH-7921 (June 2014)
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs publishes recommendations and report on the new psychoactive substance and synthetic opiate AH-7921 (Government, UK)
Changes to Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 – khat (June 2014)
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2014 classifies khat as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Government, UK)
Ban on NBOMe and benzofurans comes into force (June 2014)
Drugs order also controls tramadol as a Class C substance and upgrades ketamine to Class B (Home Office)
Deadly “legal highs” which mimic Class A drugs to be banned (June 2014)
A lethal psychedelic drug should be controlled as a Class A substance, according to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
NPS reports on tryptamines and AH-7921 (June 2014)
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs publishes recommendations and reports on these new psychoactive substances: tryptamines and the synthetic opiate AH-7921 (ACMD)
It is in the interests of justice and health to decriminalise drug users (PDF) (June 2014)
As the drugs market has grown, socioeconomic costs of drug harms have soared. It has been estimated that this amounts to around £3.5 billion for Scotland (Scottish Justice Matters)
Benefit claimants with a main disabling condition of drug and alcohol misuse (June 2014)
Number of claimants receiving incapacity benefits with a primary disabling condition of alcohol or drug misuse, from 2007 to 2013 (Government, UK)
National Accounts articles, Inclusion of Illegal Drugs and Prostitution in the UK National Accounts (June 2014)
This article covers the inclusion of illegal drugs and prostitution activity in GDP and its components (Office for National Statistics, UK)
Khat fact sheet for England and Wales (June 2014)
Information leaflet about the classification of Khat as a Class C drug (Government, UK)
A New Approach to Managing Psychoactive Substances (May 2014)
A discussion paper (Canadian Public Health Association)
A Measure of Change (May 2014)
The first wave of findings from two-part research, into the impact of the public health transfer on the prioritisation of alcohol and funding for alcohol services locally, one year since the changes were introduced (Alcohol Concern)
Tackling drug use (May 2014)
What can local authorities achieve by tackling drug use? (NICE)
Jobcentre Plus & the Work Programme (May 2014)
The Department for Work and Pensions is currently performing a review of the voluntary referral process between Jobcentre Plus, the Work Programme and treatment providers for clients with histories of drug and/or alcohol use with the aim of improving referral rates (DrugScope)
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (May 2014)
This Command Paper is published in response to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s report Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs, published on 20 December 2013 (UK Government)
Analysis of Sentencing for Possession or Importation of Drugs for Sale or Supply (May 2014)
This analysis examines the sentencing practice of the courts in relation to certain drug trafficking offences,1 specifically the offences of possession or importation of controlled drugs for the purpose of sale or supply (JudicialResearchers’ Office, Ireland)
Illicit Drug Data Report 2012-13 (May 2014)
provides a statistical overview of illicit drug arrests and seizures as well as profiling the current situation, national impact and the emerging trends and threats of illicit drugs in Australia (Australian Crime Commission)
Drug policy profile: Austria (May 2014)
This paper describes the development and main characteristics of drug policy in Austria (EMCDDA)
Drug policy profile: Poland (May 2014)
This paper describes the development and main characteristics of drug policy in Poland (EMCDDA)
Uruguay announces final regulations for new, legally regulated cannabis trade (May 2014)
Uruguay has released the full set of rules for its new legally regulated cannabis market (TDPF)
Psychoactive Substances Amendment Bill (May 2014)
This bill gives effect to the Government’s decision to introduce legislation ending interim product approvals under the Psychoactive Substancs Act 2013 (New Zealand Parliament)
Psychoactive substances regulatory action taken (May 2014)
Six psychoactive products are to be recalled from the market after they were found to pose more than a low risk of harm to the public (Ministry of Health, New Zealand)
Australian threshold quantities for ‘drug trafficking’ (April 2014)
Are they placing drug users at risk of unjustified sanction? (Australian Institute of Criminology)
National Drugs Strategy 2009-16 (April 2014)
The National Drugs Strategy is a cross cutting area of public policy and service delivery, which is based on a coordinated approach across many Government Departments and Agencies in conjunction with the Community and Voluntary Sector (DoH Ireland)
America’s New Drug Policy Landscape (April 2014)
Two-Thirds Favor Treatment, Not Jail, for Use of Heroin, Cocaine (Pew Research)
Drug Driving – Summary of Responses to the 2 Consultation (March 2014)
Specifying the drugs and their corresponding limits for inclusion in regulations for the new offence of driving with a specified drug in the body above a specified limit (Government, UK)
Pathways to employment (March 2014)
Education, training and employment support (ETE) is a priority for most effective services as part of a whole person approach to enabling people to start and maintain the process of recovery from substance misuse or dependency (London Drug and Alcohol Network)
Australian threshold quantities for ‘drug trafficking’ (March 2014)
Are they placing drug users at risk of unjustified sanction? (Australian Government)
NDTMS – New reporting methodology (March 2014)
From 2014-15 there will be a change in the way that adult substance misuse activity and outcomes is presented to local authorities and treatment providers (NHS England)
Scheduling of tramadol and exemptions for temazepam prescriptions (March 2014)
The government has considered the concerns raised in the consultation and has decided to place tramadol in Schedule 3 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 when it is controlled later this year, but with exemption from the safe custody requirements. Summary of responses to the consultation (Government, UK)
Letter to ACMD on tramadol (March 2014)
The drug will be placed in Schedule 3 to accompany its Class C control. It will be exempted from the requirements under the Misuse of Drugs. Letter (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973 (Government, UK)
The President’s FY 2015 Budget (March 2014)
The President’s National Drug Control Strategy represents a 21st century approach to drug policy that outlines innovative policies and programs and recognizes that substance use disorders are not just a criminal justice issue, but also a major public health concern.The drug control budget request (ONDCP)
Government response to ACMD advice on ketamine (Feb 2014)
Norman Baker, Minister for Crime Prevention, writes to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs regarding the reclassification of ketamine (Government, UK)
State of the Sector 2013 (Feb 2014)
DrugScope research for the Recovery Partnership (DrugScope)
Controlled drugs list (Feb 2014)
A list of the most commonly encountered drugs currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation showing their respective classifications under both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Government, UK)
Colorado consequences (Jan 2014)
A Statement By The International Task Force on Strategic Drug Policy
What does the New Budget Deal Mean for Drug Policy Reform? (Jan 2014)
Damaging cuts caused by sequestration have placed real obstacles in the way of ensuring full support for services and programs that expand prevention, treatment, and smart-on-crime initiatives that represent a 21st century approach to drug policy.But there is good news.The bipartisan appropriations bill passed by Congress this week finally begins to repair some of these cuts (ONDCP)
General security guidance for controlled drug suppliers (Jan 2014)
List of the main security measures appropriate for premises in which controlled drug supplies are made (UK Government)
Equipping law enforcement and other emergency responders with this overdose-reversal drug will save lives and also help guide many more people suffering from substance use disorders into treatment and long-term recovery (ONDCP)
2013
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (Dec 2013)
Twelfth Report from the Home Affairs Committee PDF (UK Government)
United Kingdom Drug Situation – UK Focal Point On Drugs (Dec 2013)
Annual Report to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (Public Health England)
Drug strategy annual review: 2012 to 2013 (Dec 2013)
The second annual review of the drug strategy, ‘Delivering within a new landscape’, updates progress on the 3 strands of the strategy since May 2012 (Government, UK)
Review launched to target reckless trade in ‘legal highs’ (Dec 2013)
Laws on new psychoactive substances will be reviewed in a bid to clamp down on the trade in potentially fatal drugs (Government, UK)
Drugs policy: review into new psychoactive substances (Dec 2013)
This written ministerial statement was laid in the House of Commons by Norman Baker MP and in the House of Lords by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Government, UK)
Action against head shops (Dec 2013)
Advice for local authorities on the types of offences head shops may be committing and offers guidance and recommendations (Government, UK)
Government letter to the ACMD on control of NBOMe and Benzofuran (Dec 2013)
Letter to the ACMD about the control of the NBOMe and Benzofuran compounds as Class A and B drugs respectively (Government, UK)
Home Secretary letter to ACMD on the government’s work priorities for 2013 to 2014 (Dec 2013)
Theresa May writes to Les Iversen regarding the government’s priorities for inclusion in the work programme of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (Government, UK)
Government letter to the ACMD on reviewing generic definitions (Dec 2013)
A government letter to the ACMD reviewing generic definitions used in the Misuse of Drugs Act 197 (Government, UK)
Terms of reference for new psychoactive substances (Dec 2013)
Terms of reference of a review into enhancing our legislative response to new psychoactive substances (Government, UK)
The International Narcotics Control Board(INCB) regrets that the legislation to legalize production, sale and consumption of cannabis for non-medical purposes approved yesterday in Uruguay contravenes the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, to which Uruguay is a party (INCB)
Ketamine report (Dec 2013)
‘Ketamine: a review of use and harm’ provides advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to the Home Secretary (Government, UK)
MESAS Third Annual Report (Dec 2013)
NHS Health Scotland has been tasked by the Scottish Government to lead the evaluation of Scotland’s alcohol strategy through the Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) work programme (NHS Health Scotland)
ACMD recommends permanent ban on two “legal highs” (Nov 2013)
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommends NBOMe drugs, which have a hallucinogenic affect similar to LSD, are controlled as Class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It further recommends the group of stimulants known as Benzofury are controlled as Class B drugs (Government UK)
Drugs policy: new psychoactive substances (Nov 2013)
Written statement to Parliament UK
Proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for use in emergencies (Nov 2013)
The MHRA is asking for feedback to a proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for the purpose of saving life in an emergency. This would be achieved by an amendment of the Human Use Regulations 2012. The proposal is aimed at reducing deaths from heroin overdoses. The consultation document has been jointly produced by the UK Health Departments and the MHRA (UK Government)
Letter to ACMD on their advice on khat (Nov 2013)
This letter from the Home Secretary to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs sets out the government’s response to the council’s advice on the potential harms and control of khat under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (UK Government)
A Lifetime of Punishment: The Impact of the Federal Drug Ban on Welfare Benefits (Nov 2013)
The nation’s “war on drugs” posture of recent decades may have a devastating impact on the health and safety of women and children of color and their communities (The Sentencing Project)
Administration issues final mental health and substance use disorder parity rule (Nov 2013)
Final rules break down financial barriers and provide consumer protections (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Working together to reduce harm – substance misuse annual report 2013 (Nov 2013)
Annual report on progress made to implement the substance misuse strategy (Welsh Government)
Latin America awakes (Nov 2013)
A review of the new drug policy debate – download (IDPC)
The Third Sector and the Near Future of Drug and Alcohol Treatment (Oct 2013)
This brief paper looks at some different ways of having worthwhile discussions about the future of our field (Lifeline)
California Statewide Poll Finds Strong Support for Legalizing, Regulating and Taxing Marijuana (Oct 2013)
With a broad and diverse coalition backing this policy change, our research finds that a solid majority of voters in California support a proposal to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. We provide below a summary of key findings from the survey (Tulchin Research)
Drugs Policy – Lords Library Note (Oct 2013)
This Library Note provides background reading for the debate to be held Thursday, 17 October on the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee on drugs policy (Parliament, UK)
Needle and Syringe Programs – ANCD position paper (Oct 2013)
The ANCD believes that while it is important to utilise NSPs to provide additional health services, education, and referrals to people who inject drugs, the provision of sterile injecting equipment should remain a primary focus. We believe that it is appropriate for Australia to aim for 100 per cent coverage of injections with sterile equipment, and for its NSPs to operate in ways that facilitate this aim (ANCD)
Synthetic drugs banned under new laws (Oct 2013)
The Victorian Coalition Government will broaden the ban on synthetic drugs designed to copy the effects of illegal drugs such as ecstasy, cannabis and LSD, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said (Premier of Victoria)
How the Authority is assessing interim products (Oct 2013)
The Safety Assessment of Psychoactive Products report – The Risk Assessment Score Table – Reporting Adverse Effects to Psychoactive Products (Ministry of Health, new Zealand)
Psychoactive substances – Frequently asked questions (Oct 2013)
Ministry of Health, New Zealand
Serious and organised crime strategy (Oct 2013)
Released in October 2013, the serious and organised crime strategy sets out how we will prevent people getting involved in serious and organised crime (Government, UK)
ACMD advice on the scheduling of GHB (Oct 2013)
Advice to Minister of State for Crime Prevention, Jeremy Browne MP, on the scheduling of GHB (ACMD, UK)
ACMD advice on the scheduling of khat (Oct 2013)
ACMD letter to Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremy Browne MP, advising on the scheduling of khat (ACMD, UK)
Simple cautions for serious offences to be scrapped (Oct 2013)
Ban ‘simple’ cautions for supplying Class A drugs (Government, UK)
Ketamine: Living in dreams, managing the realities (Sept 2013)
Ketamine is often perceived as a novelty drug which seems to have emerged out of nowhere with a catastrophic set of health and social consequences. Instead of repeating the mistake of further criminalising its users, the Government is urged to take a more enlightened approach to the growing ketamine crisis (openDemocracy)
After Kerlikowske, What’s Next for America’s ‘War on Drugs’? (Sept 2013)
“No one is happy with American drug policy,” Peter Reuter of the University of Maryland declares in a new overview of a debate that hasn’t changed dramatically in the last three decades (The Crime Report)
Licensing and regulation of the cannabis market in England and Wales (Sept 2013)
Towards a cost-benefit analysis (Institute for Social and Economic Research)
Patient-Centred Leadership: Rediscovering our purpose (Sept 2013)
The report is written in relation to all health services and applicable to governance and leadership drug and alcohol services (King’s Fund, UK)
Drug Driving (Assessment of Drug Misuse) Bill 2013-14 (Sept 2013)
This Bill is expected to have its second reading debate on 18 October 2013 (Parliament UK)
No Quick Fix: Exposing the depth of Britain’s drugs and alcohol problem (Aug 2013)
This report lays bare the reality of substance abuse and addiction in Britain today (Centre for Social Justice, UK)
ANCD position paper – Drug Testing (Aug 2013)
This ANCD paper focuses discussion on the use of drug testing in the contexts of drug treatment programs, child protection, people receiving welfare benefits, schools, and workplaces (ANCD)
Uruguay steps forward with Marijuana legalisation vote (Aug 2013)
The vote by Uruguay’s House of Representatives to legalize and regulate the country’s marijuana market represents a major step forward for the landmark reform effort (TNI)
First findings from internet drug monitoring program (Aug 2013)
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has published findings from a new research stream dedicated to tracking the internet’s increasing role in the supply of illicit drugs and drug-related information (NDARC, Australia)
ANCD position paper: Drug testing (Aug 2013)
This paper overviews the rationale for using drug testing or implementing a program of drug testing, the coherence of the rationale, the current evidence base for the use of drug testing in that context, and the ethical or legal issues raised (ANCD, Australia)
A Manual in Quality Standards in Substance Use Education (Aug 2013)
This report set out to evaluate the training provided by the Drug Education Workers Forum (DEWF) on the manual in Quality Standards in Substance Use Education as well as the efficacy of the manual itself (Drug Education Workers Forum, Ireland)
Drug situation in Vancouver June 2013
This report contains 15 years of prospective data on drug use and behavioural trends among some of the city’s most vulnerable PWUD, including HIV-positive and HIV-negative PWUD and street-involved youth (Urban Health Research Initiative, Canada)
Getting To Tomorrow: A Report on Canadian Drug Policy May 2013
The report documents the failing role that current federal drug policies play in supporting safety and health and draws attention to the acute need for an improved system of supports for people who use drugs including harm reduction (Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, Canada)
Guide for Commissioners of Drug and Alcohol Services May 2013
This guide has been written to provide practical advice on developing and delivering local plans and strategies to commission the most effective and efficient drug and alcohol services for adults. Based upon clinical best practice guidance and drawing upon the range of available evidence, it describes what should be expected of a modern drug and alcohol service (JCPMH, UK)
Getting our priorities right April 2013
The updated guidance sets out the challenge of adult problematic alcohol or drug use, its possible impacts on children and families and how services should respond. It provides all child and adult service practitioners working with these vulnerable families with an overview of the supporting evidence base (Scottish Government, UK)
A drug policy for the 21st century April 2013
The Obama Administration’s plan to reduce drug use and its consequences—the National Drug Control Strategy—represents a 21st century approach to drug policy. This science-based plan, guided by the latest research on substance use, contains more than 100 specific reforms to support our work to protect public health and safety in America (White House, USA)
Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) National Report 2012 April 2013
The Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) is intended to serve as a monitoring system, identifying emerging trends of local and national concern in illicit drug markets (NDARC, Australia)
Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia 2010-11: state and territory findings March 2013
About 700 agencies provide treatment for alcohol and other drug issues in Australia, and three-quarters of these agencies are in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Most of the closed episodes were for clients receiving treatment for their own drug use, and alcohol was the most common principal drug of concern | AIHW, Australia
Primary Care Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Commissioning and Provision Against a Backdrop of Localism February 2013
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Substance Misuse Management in General Practice (SMMGP) have issued a joint paper (PDF) considering the future impact of the changing commissioning environment on primary care drug and alcohol treatment (SMMGP, UK)
The drug treatment workforce January 2013
The first part of this paper identifies three distinct phases of thinking around the drug treatment workforce: phase 1. 2001-2005; phase 2. 2005-2008 and phase 3. 2007- 2013. The second part focuses on four key roles… i) Clinicians; ii) Practitioners; iii) Managers and iv) Peer mentors. Part three looks briefly at how organisations might develop sustainable, ethical, and productive workforce development strategies (Lifeline Project, UK)
2012
Drugs: Breaking the Cycle December 2012
Ninth Report of Session 2012–13 (House of Commons Home Affairs Committee )
The Mental Health and Addiction Service Development Plan 2012–2017 December 2012
Provides a strong vision to guide the mental health and addiction sector, as well as clear direction to planners, funders and providers of mental health and addiction services on Government priority areas for service development over the next five years (Ministry of Health, New Zealand)
Seizures of drugs in England and Wales, 2011/12 November 2012
There were 216,296 drug seizures by the police and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in England and Wales in 2011/12, a two per cent increase on 2010/11 | Home Office, UK
2012 Annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe November 2012
This is an essential reference book for policymakers, specialists and practitioners in the drugs field or indeed anyone seeking the latest findings on drugs in Europe | EMCDDA
Mexxy, Black Mamba and other ‘legal highs’ to be banned November 2012
Following advice from the government’s independent drug experts, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), new synthetic cannabinoids (such as those sold under the name ‘Black Mamba’) and methoxetamine (sold as Mexxy) and its related compounds will be classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 | Home Office, UK
The Government’s response to the ACMD advice November 2012
The Government responds to the ACMD’s further advice on synthetic cannabinoids and advice on methoxetamine and related compounds as well as O-desmethyltramadol | Home Office, UK
Pseudoephedrine- and ephedrine-containing medicines October 2012
2012 review of actions to manage the risk of misuse. Download | MHRA, UK
Drug strategy – reducing demand and managing drug misusing offenders updates October 2012
A series of bulletins related to the management of drug misusing offenders, in line with the Reducing Demand chapter of the drug strategy | Home Office, UK
ACMD advice on O-desmethyltramadol October 2012
The ACMD recommends that Odesmethyltramadol is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class B substance and, as it has no legitimate medical use, scheduled as a Schedule I substance under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 | AMCD, UK
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Methoxetamine Report (2012) October 2012
The ACMD has followed its initial assessment with a consideration of methoxetamine in the context of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Report | ACMD, UK
Further consideration of the synthetic cannabinoids (2012) October 2012
In July 2009 the ACMD recommended the compounds considered in that review should be made Class B and placed in Schedule I of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001) under a generic definition. Download | ACMD, UK
NIH request for information October 2012
Input into the Scientific Strategic Plan for the Proposed National Institute of Substance Use and Addiction Disorders – analysis of public comments | National Institutes of Health, USA
A Fresh Approach to Drugs October 2012
The final report of the UK Drug Policy Commission. Download report | UKDPC
Known abusers, but victims ignored October 2012
Torture and ill-treatment in Mexico | Amnesty International
The U.S. Drug Policy Landscape October 2012
Insights and Opportunities for Improving the View | RAND, USA
Drug systems change pilot programme evaluation report published October 2012
The programme, funded jointly by the Department of Health and the Home Office, ran from 2009-2011. The aim was to test whether local drug and alcohol treatment partnerships could tailor services better, in response to local needs, if they were allowed more flexibility in how they used the range of funding streams available to them and were not constrained by central targets. Report download | Department of Health, UK
Statistics for drug treatment activity in England 2011-12 October 2012
National Drug Treatment Monitoring System | NTA, UK
Statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System October 2012
1 April 2011– 31 March 2012 Vol1: The Numbers| NTA, UK
Statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System October 2012
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012 Vol 2: Technical Notes | NTA, UK
Heroin and other opioid related deaths on the rise October 2012
A report released by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre reveals that a total of 500 Australians aged 15-54 died due to accidental opioid overdoses in 2008 – the latest year for which final figures are available. Based on preliminary estimates, deaths are higher again in 2009 and 2010 | NDARC, Australia
Domino Effects: The impact of localism and austerity on services for young people and on drug problems October 2012
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. Download | UKDPC
A case for border security | Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
Expanding Naloxone Availability September 2012
ANCD position statement
The Illicit Drug Landscape in the U.S and Paths for Future Efforts September 2012
A new RAND Corporation report outlines the illicit drug landscape in the United States, providing insights about how some of the challenges might be addressed and highlighting other problems that need further studt | RAND, USA
The Australian (illicit) drug policy timeline: 1985-2012 September 2012
The Australian (illicit) drug policy timeline provides a list of key events, policy and legislative changes that have occurred in Australia between 1985 and June 30, 2012 | Drug Policy Modelling Program, Australia
OHRC consultation report on human rights, mental health and addictions September 2012
This report outlines what the OHRC heard in its largest-ever policy consultation across Ontario, and sets out a number of key recommendations and OHRC commitments to address human rights issues that affect people with mental health disabilities or addictions. Download | OHRC, Canada
Drug policy reform September 2012
Moving beyond strict criminal penalties for drugs | Policy Talk, Australian Drug Foundation
Volatile substance abuse – butane-based substances September 2012
A summary of coronial recommendations and comments made between 1 January–31 March 2012 | Office of the Chief Coroner, New Zealand
Politicians’ views on drug policy September 2012
As part of our project on how drug policy is made in the UK, UKDPC commissioned ComRes to survey the opinions of Members of Parliament, Members of the Scottish Parliament, and Welsh Assembly Members, on UK drug policy. Download | UKDPC
The second Australia21 report on Illicit Drugs, Alternatives to Prohibition September 2012
llicit drugs: How we can stop killing and criminalising young Australians, is now available for download | Australia21
Recovery PbR outcomes – refresh September 2012
The co-design group would like to publish this refreshed version of the outcomes to reflect the decisions taken locally on the various options reflected in the last version of the outcomes. There are detailed definitions for the following high level outcomes: free from drug(s) of dependence; offending; health and wellbeing. Download | Department of Health, UK
Role of housing in drugs recovery September 2012
The Department for Communities and Local Government has worked with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Recovery Partnership and local drugs and alcohol treatment teams to support the development of a series of case studies which highlight local activities to assist recovery through housing support. Download | CIH, UK
The U.S. Drug Policy Landscape September 2012
Insights and Opportunities for Improving the View | RAND, USA
NDARC Annual Research Symposium 2012 September 2012
A select number of presentations are available | NDARC, Australia
Standard on Culturally Secure Practice Launched August 2012
Minister for Mental Health The Hon Helen Morton MLC has officially launched the Standard On Culturally Secure Practice (Alcohol and other Drug Sector) 1st Edition. Download | WANADA, Australia
Pre-employment drug testing for jobseekers August 2012
Beneficiaries with work expectations will face sanctions if they refuse to apply for drug-tested jobs. Download | Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand
Police and crime commissioners – candidate briefings: national policy and strategy August 2012
Briefings that look at the various areas where central government input is important including: Tackling drugs | Home Office, UK
Centre for Addictions Research BC annual report August 2012
2011/2012 Annual Report which covers the beginning of our second five-year term as a University of Victoria research centre | CARBC, Canada
Health groups celebrate decision on Needle & Syringe Exchange Program for ACT prison August 2012
Key health organisations are celebrating the ACT Government’s decision to include a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program as part of its broader strategy for management of blood borne viruses (BBVs) in the ACT’s prison | Public Health Association Australia
Payment by results for mental health (England) August 2012
Position Statement | Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK
Initial Review of the National Strategy and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs August 2012
This is the first report in response to your request that we assess the implementation of the 2010 Strategy | GAO, USA
Pharmaceutical Misuse August 2012
Pharmaceutical misuse in Australia is a growing problem which is resulting in an increasing number of preventable deaths – Position Paper | VAADA, Australia
Drug addicts seeking treatment are doing better August 2012
A unique analysis of drug treatment data shows more people are overcoming dependency and services are getting better at getting people into recovery. These findings are contained in a new NTA commentary on the six years’ worth of treatment data that was released alongside the annual statistics last year | NTA, UK
The role of residential rehab in an integrated drug treatment system July 2012
“The analysis reported here identifies troubling discrepancies in performance between residential rehab providers | NTA, UK
The need and direction for drug law reform in Australia July 2012
Illicit drug use should be viewed primarily as a health and social problem, and be funded accordingly | Medical Journal of Australia
Czech Republic Exemplifies Smart and Humane Drug Policy July 2012
Visionary policy-makers in the Czech Republic have resisted what is politically easy and exemplified what is smart and humane in drug policy. Their story is the subject of a new report from the Open Society Foundations Global Drug Policy Program, A Balancing Act: Policymaking on Illicit Drugs in the Czech Republic | Open Society Foundations, USA
New regulatory regime for psychoactive substances July 2012
Current legislation has proved ineffective in dealing with the rapid growth in new psychoactive substances, such as party pills and other legal highs, which can be synthesised to be one step ahead of existing controls. Cabinet has agreed to new legislation to address this by prohibiting the sale of all psychoactive substances unless approved by a regulator. Download | Ministry for Health, New Zealand
Core data set items July 2012
Changes to the core data set items collected by adult drug and alcohol treatment providers through the NDTMS | NTA, UK
Planning for drug and Alcohol treatment services: A brief guide to general planning considerations July 2012
This is a short, general introduction to some relevant aspects of planning, intended for those involved in local partnerships and as service providers in the setting up of residential or non-residential (‘drop-in’) drug and alcohol treatment services | DrugScope, UK
Government response to Lords report on EU drug policy July 2012
Response to the House of Lords select committee on the European Union’s 26th report of session 2010-2012 entitled “The EU Drugs Strategy” | Lord Henley, Minister of State for crime prevention and anti-social behaviour reduction, UK
Hypothesising an alternative: Applying the scientific process to drug policy June 2012
It is now time to begin to introduce a more rational evidence-based approach to drug policy to minimise harms. We must consider all drugs, including alcohol, as part of the problem to be tackled. I hope that the Select Committee will recommend a more progressive approach than the current one of interdiction and punishment which has, and will continue to fail | David Nutt’s Blog, UK
2nd Australian Needle and Syringe Program Return on Investment Study June 2012
The original English language summary paper was prepared by APDIC in consultation with the authors of the major report from the Kirby Institute and is currently available on the APDIC website – English download | Australian National Council on Drugs
A better city for all June 2012
A partnership approach to address public substance misuse and perceived anti-social behaviour in Dublin City Centre | Strategic Response Group, Dublin, Ireland
Providing drug and alcohol recovery through payment by results – deputy director presentations June 2012
The Department of Health, Home Office, Ministry of Justice and Dedpartment for Work and Pensions hosted an event on the 21st for providers who were interested in finding out more about payment by results (PbR) for drug recovery services and there were presentations from Deputy Directors at DH, Home Office, MoJ and DWP which are now available | Department of Health, UK
GP survey highlights austerity impact on most deprived June 2012
A university of Glasgow survey of GPs in Scotland’s most deprived communities has highlighted the devastating impact of austerity cutbacks on the health of the country’s most deprived communities, including people with drug and alcohol problems – and the ability of public services to help them. Download | SDF, UK
New directions for alcohol and drug treatment: a roadmap June 2012
The Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge has released New directions for alcohol and drug treatment services: A roadmapto guide the reform of Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment services – Download | Department of Health, Victoria, Australia
The purpose of this report is to critically examine drug treatment courts (DTCs) in Canada using the available evidence, which includes process and outcome evaluations of existing DTCs, grey literature and academic research | Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Temporary Class Drug) order 2012 May 2012
First Delegated Legislation Committee | House of Commons, UK
Principles of Modern Drug Policy May 2012
The three United Nations drug control conventions are the foundation of the global effort to reduce drug use and its consequences. To implement the conventions in the 21st century, the United States commits itself to the following principles and encourages other nations to do the same | ONDCP, USA
Legal status of drugs May 2012
What does the research evidence tell us about what Australians think about the legal status of drugs? | Drug Policy Modelling Program, Australia
Annual review of the drug strategy 2010 May 2012
The first annual review of the Drug Strategy 2010 provides a progress update on implementation of the Drug Strategy and includes an action plan for tackling the threat from new psychoactive substances – Download | Home Office, UK
Letter from the Home Secretary to Professor Les Iversen May 2012
Response from the Home Secretary to the ACMD’s Novel Psychoactive Substances report | Home Office, UK
Illicit Drug Data Report 2010-11 May 2012
It provides a statistical overview of illicit drug arrests and seizures as well as profiling the current situation, national impact and the emerging trends and threats of illicit drugs in Australia – full report | Australian Crime Commission
How the War on Drugs Distorts Privacy Law May 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon determine whether a trained narcotics dog’s sniff at the front door of a home constitutes a Fourth Amendment search | Stanford Law Review, USA
Just How “New” is the 2012 National Drug Control Strategy? May 2012
Some have hailed the Obama administration’s 2012 National Drug Control Strategy as a revolutionary shift toward a public health approach to the nation’s drug problems. Others have panned it as nothing new | WOLA, USA
NTA Action Plan 2012-13 May 2012
The Department of Health has approved the NTA’s work programme for 2012-13 – Download | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
Proposals to amend the NDTMS dataset – young people May 2012
The NTA is proposing to amend the data that is collected by National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) from April 2013, to ensure it remains relevant to the delivery of specialist substance misuse interventions for young people | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
Charting New Waters: Delivering drug policy at a time of radical reform and financial austerity April 2012
The funding, commissioning, management and delivery structures for addressing the problems associated with illicit drugs in England are experiencing an unprecedented level of change. Our study reveals a broad picture of upheaval and uncertainty and this summary sets out our study’s main findings – Download | UKDPC
Mental Health and Addictions Strategy April 2012
Summary of the Report – Full report | Nova Scotia, Canada
Putting Public Health First April 2012
A Response to the Home Office “Putting Full Recovery First | UK Harm Reduction Alliance
2012 National Drug Control Strategy April 2012
The 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, released on April 4, builds on the foundation laid down by the Administration’s previous two Strategies and serves as the Nation’s blueprint for reducing drug use and its consequences | White House, USA
Report of a high level Australia21 Roundtable April 2012
The Prohibition of Illicit Drugs is Killing and Criminalising Our Children and We Are All Letting It Happen | Australia21
Commentary on the Australia 21 report April 2012
Here are what some of NDARC’s academic staff have had to say in the wake of the report’s release | NDARC, Australia
Building recovery in local communities April 2012
The Department of Health, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have today sent a joint letter to local authority chief executives, chief constables, prison governors and probation trust chief executives highlighting the new opportunities for joint working to improve outcomes and use resources more efficiently | Department of Health, UK
Cannabis – the Irish situation April 2012
Factsheet | National Documentation Centre on Drug Use, Ireland
Cocaine – the Irish situation April 2012
Factsheet | National Documentation Centre on Drug Use, Ireland
Written evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee drugs enquiry March 2012
This volume contains the written evidence accepted by the Home Affairs Committee for the Drugs inquiry | Parliament, UK
Statement of evidence – methoxetamine March 2012
Letter of advice from the chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Les Iversen, to the Minister of State for Crime Prevention and Antisocial Behaviour Reduction on the council’s recommendation to treat methoxetamine as a Schedule 1 drug | Home Office, UK
Home Secretary’s response to the ACMD’s advice on methoxetamine March 2012
The Government will introduce a temporary class drug order on methoxetamine following the ACMD’s initial advice. Download response | Home Office, UK
NTA submission to the Home Affairs Select Committee drugs policy review March 2012
The NTA recently submitted evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee drugs policy review 2012. Supplementary information: Prison treatment – General – Funding diagram | NTA, UK
Putting Full Recovery First – the Recovery Roadmap March 2012
This document, Putting Full Recovery First, outlines our roadmap for building a new treatment system based on our commitments made in the Drug Strategy: to restrict the supply of drugs; to reduce the demand for drugs; and to support individuals to be free of dependence | Home Office, UK
The Forgotten Carers: Support for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems March 2012
This briefing provides an overview of the key findings and implications of a study investigating the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
A UK-wide survey of services for adult family members | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Review of Policy and Guidance Documents across the UK | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Qualitative Interviews with Commissioners and Service Providers in England and Scotland | UKDPC
Home Secretary letter to the ACMD on the government’s work priorities for 2012-2013 March 2012
A letter from the Home Secretary setting out the government’s priorities for inclusion in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ 2012-13 work programme | Home Office, UK
National Drugs Strategy 2009-16: Implementation of Actions March 2012
Progress Report End 2011 | Department of Health, Ireland
‘Safe ketamine’ referred to drug experts March 2012
The government has referred the legal high ‘mexxy’ to drug experts in a move which could lead to a temporary ban | Home Office, UK
ACMD letter on further advice on the classification of two steroidal substances February 2012
Letter from Les Iversen to Lord Henley provides further advice on the classification of two steroidal substances | ACMD, UK
New legal limits in traffic for drugs other than alcohol February 2012
Legal limits for twenty illegal drugs and medicines with an abuse potential have been introduced by the Norwegian government | Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Drug treatment in England: the road to recovery February 2012
Having got record numbers of users into treatment quickly, the system is now responding to the recovery ambition of the 2010 Drug Strategy | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
A cohesive strategy for alcohol, narcotic drugs, doping and tobacco (ANDT) policy February 2012
A summarised version of Government Bill 2010/11:47 | Ministry of Health, Sweden
Steering Group Report on a National substance misuse strategy February 2012
A key aim of this Strategy is the promotion of healthier lifestyle choices throughout society in relation to alcohol | Department of Health, Ireland
Briefing paper: Illicit Drugs and Public Health in 2012 February 2012
This paper sets out some of the issues and challenges for the delivery of drug interventions in the new public health system | UKDPC
Local Tobacco Control Profiles for England February 2012
These profiles provide a snapshot of the extent of tobacco use, tobacco related harm, and measures being taken to reduce this harm at a local level | London Health Observatory, UK
Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 February 2012
This Standard provides for a system of health warnings to increase consumer knowledge of the health effects relating to the use of tobacco products | Australian Government
Transcript of oral evidence January 2012
Home Affairs Committee Drugs | House of Commons, UK
A resounding success or a disastrous failure: January 2012
Re-examining the interpretation of evidence on the Portuguese decriminalisation of illicit drugs | Drug and Alcohol Review
A Framework for Reducing Alcohol and Drug Related Harm in Northern Ireland January 2012
Phase 2, 2011-2016 | DHSSPS, UK
Penalties for illegal drug trafficking January 2012
The following table shows the penalties foreseen in, and the most common judicial practices applied by, the EU Member States | EMCDDA
Possession of cannabis for personal use January 2012
The legal status of cannabis when used or cultivated/possessed for personal use in the different countries | EMCDDA
Press reporting of issues relating to illicit drug use January 2012
UKDPC have asked the Leveson Inquiry to look at how the press reports illicit drug use, and its impact on policymaking and public perceptions of people with drug addictions | UKDPC
Tackling drug-abuse is a national priority, er, depending on where you live January 2012
The drug strategy sets out a compelling vision which can engage and motivate local communities, but localism in a period of austerity risks disinvestment for a stigmatised group. If we get this wrong the consequences will be far-reaching and devastating for people willing to make the commitment to turn their lives around and begin the recovery journey, as well as their families and communities – Noreen Oliver, Martin Barnes | Parliamentary Briefing, UK
2011
Building Capacity in Non-government Alcohol and Drug Services – The Queensland Experience December 2011
The report documents the cultural change processes use by 11 alcohol and drug agencies in Queensland provided with capacity building grants from the Department of Health and Ageing to reorient their services to better meet the needs of people with substance misuse and mental health issues | Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies, Australia
Iran: Surge of secret executions for drug offences must end December 2011
This year has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people – many impoverished – who are executed for drug offences in Iran. Report: Addicted to Death: Executions for Drug Offences in Iran | Amnesty International
The Challenge of Violent Drug-Trafficking Organizations December 2011
An Assessment of Mexican Security Based on Existing RAND Research on Urban Unrest, Insurgency, and Defense-Sector Reform | RAND, USA
Responding to new psychoactive substances December 2011
This briefing paper describes some of the practical and legal obstacles facing Member States when responding to such new substances. It underlines the importance of national early-warning systems in detecting and identifying new substances as the first step towards assessing the risks of, and ultimately controlling, potentially dangerous new drugs. English download | EMCDDA
UK Drug Situation – 2011 Edition UK Focal Point on Drugs December 2011
Annual report to the European monitoring centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction | UK Focal Point on Drugs, Centre for Public Health, UK
Home Affairs Committee launches new inquiry into Drugs November 2011
The Committee will undertake a comprehensive review of drugs policy in the new year. The Committee will examine the effectiveness of the Government’s 2010 drugs strategy and the UK Government’s contribution to global efforts to reduce the supply and demand of illicit drugs | Parliament, UK
Substance misuse services in adult prisons in England November 2011
As part of the Government’s October 2010 spending review, responsibility for the funding of non-clinical substance misuse services in contracted adult prisons in England transfered to NHS primary care trusts. This letter published jointly by the Department and National Offender Management Service outlines the next steps required to intergrate substance misuse services in prisons | Department of Health, UK
Position Paper: Pharmacotherapy – Key Points November 2011
Key points and recommendations from the Pharmacotherapy Position Paper | VAADA, Australia
Russian Drug Policy as a Driver for Violations of the UN Convention against Torture November 2011
This report considers facts, reasons for and conditions for mistreatment of drug users in Russia | Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
Working Protocol between the Home Secretary and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs November 2011
The new working protocol jointly developed and agreed between the Home Secretary and the ACMD. Download | Home Office, UK
ACMD Anabolic Steroids Advice November 2011
ACMD Anabolic Steroids Advice (2011). Download | Home Office, UK
New drug control power takes effect November 2011
A new power to temporarily control potentially harmful new drugs came into effect overnight, alongside an importation ban on two substances closely linked to chemicals found in ‘legal high’ brand ‘Ivory Wave’ | Home Office, UK
Further advice on Diphenylprolinol (D2PM) and Diphenylmethylpyrrolidine November 2011
Further advice on Diphenylprolinol (D2PM) and Diphenylmethylpyrrolidine (2011). Download | Home Office, UK
Import ban on diphenylprolinol and diphenylmethylpyrrolidine November 2011
A notice to industry on the ban of imports of diphenylprolinol (diphenyl-2-pyrrolidinyl-methanol or D2PM) and diphenylmethylpyrrolidine. Download | Home Office, UK
Temporary class drug – factsheet November 2011
This fact sheet setting out temporary control provisions and how temporary class drugs orders will work, including offences and criminal penalties. Download | Home Office, UK
The Challenge of Violent Drug-Trafficking Organizations November 2011
An Assessment of Mexican Security Based on Existing RAND Research on Urban Unrest, Insurgency, and Defense-Sector Reform | RAND, USA
National drug control strategy November 2011
Data Supplement 2011 | ONDCP, USA
Traveller drug programme November 2011
National research exploring the experiences of Travellers using drug services – Guideline 15MB PDF | Drugs.ie, Ireland
The EU drugs strategy November 2011
Unrevised transcript of evidence taken before The Select Committee on the European Union | House of Lords, UK
Epidemic: responding to America’s prescription drug abuse crisis November 2011
This Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan expands upon the Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy and includes action in four major areas to reduce prescription drug abuse: education, monitoring, proper disposal, and enforcement | White House, USA
ASAM’s Policy Position on Marijuana Legalization October 2011
ASAM does not support any law or regulation or modification therein that results in a significant increase in the availability of any dependence-producing drug | American Society of Addiction Medicine, USA
Novel psychoactive substances report October 2011
ACMD offers advice on the issue of these substances, which are commonly known as ‘legal highs’ and mimic the effects of illegal drugs. Report | Home Office, UK
Compulsory drug detention centre experiences – Bangkok, Thailand October 2011
Despite Thailand’s official reclassification of drug users as “patients” deserving care and not “criminals,” the Thai government has continued to rely heavily on punitive responses to drug use such as “boot camp”-style compulsory “treatment” centers. PDF | IDPC
Scottish Drugs Strategy Delivery Commission – First Year Report & Recommendations to Minister October 2011
The first report on the Scottish Government’s progress in the delivery of the national drugs strategy, the Road to Recovery | Scottish Government, UK
Employment, education and training and recovery October 2011
Recovery Partnership briefing for the Inter-Ministerial Group on Drug Policy … Treatment providers are well placed to provide life skills and employment preparation support from the start of treatment … There is concern about a disinvestment in employment-related support, capacity and expertise, particularly since publication of the drug strategy in December 2010 | Recovery Partnership,
Comparison between Italian and Portuguese legislation October 2011
The main purpose of the Italian drug law aims at penalising, punishing and deterring young consumers of drugs, without giving the right importance to rehabilitation. A comparison between Italian and Portoguese legislation clearly shows that drug prohibition only is not a solution. PDF | IDPC
Drug Policy in Portugal: The Benefits of Decriminalizing Drug Use October 2011
The effects of Portugal’s experiment with drug policy have been corroborated by research, and the Portuguese people’s reactions to it have been verified by reliable surveys; this experience can and should be a lesson for a world caught up in a failed “war on drugs.” | Open Society Foundations, USA
Statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) October 2011
This report presents information relating to drug treatment in England from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
The figures are analysed in an NTA report
Drug treatment and recovery 2010-11 | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
Report recommends new Belfast-wide approach September 2011
A new Scoping report on drugs and alcohol services in Belfast, produced by the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Working Group (BDAWG) for the Public Health Agency (PHA) has recommended that a Belfast-focused approach is adopted to tackling drug and alcohol misuse in the city. Download report | Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland, UK
Submission to the Whole of Victorian Government Alcohol and Drug Strategy September 2011
This necessary review comes after more than a decade of AOD reviews culminating in little reform and a neglected service sector which is burdened with a number of chronic long term challenges | VAADA, Australia
Mexico’s Battle Against Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking September 2011
This 54-page US monograph explores the effectiveness of the security and law enforcement and socio-economic approaches adopted in Mexico over the past several years to combat the drug trafficking organizations | Brookings, USA
Regulating Medical Marijuana Dispensaries September 2011
An Overview with Preliminary Evidence of Their Impact on Crime. Full Document | RAND, USA
Work Capability Assessment: Issues encountered by people with drug problems September 2011
The Work Capability Assessment – A Call for Evidence: Year 2 Independent Review, July 2011. A response co-ordinated by the | UK Drug Policy Commission
Recovery Partnership briefing for the Inter-Ministerial Group on Drug Policy September 2011
The “Payment by Results and Recovery” paper was discussed at the September meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group on Drugs | The Recovery Partnership, UK
‘Ivory Wave’ to become Class B drug September 2011
New psychoactive substances found in so-called ‘legal high’ brand ‘Ivory Wave’ are to become controlled Class B drugs | Home Office, UK
NDTMS statistics user engagement exercise responses September 2011
The NTA would like to thank all those who responded to us as part of this user engagement exercise. In total there were 55 responses received. The a spreadsheet containing all the responses is available to download | NTA, UK
Response to Liberal Democrat Conference motion on drug harms September 2011
Motion to be debated Sunday 18 September | UKDPC
Victorian AOD Workforce Development Strategy (2012-2015) – AOD sector consultation September 2011
Draft consultation papper for discussion | KPMG, Australia
Drug and alcohol recovery pilots supporting material September 2011
As details of the approaches to be taken by the payment by results drug and alcohol recovery pilots are being developed, supporting material has been published | DoH, UK
Australia’s evolving responses to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders September 2011
Submission to the Inquiry into the Commonwealth Funding and Administration of Mental Health Services | Dual Diagnosis, Australia
2011 National Drug Threat Assessment September 2011
National Drug Intelligence Center, USA
DEA Moves to Emergency Control Synthetic Stimulants September 2011
Agency Will Study Whether To Permanently Control Three Substances | DEA, USA
Evaluation of the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Intiative 2010 August 2011
Since the inception of VDDI, some additional strategies have been added, including youth specific positions, additional psychiatric time, funding to support rotations between sectors and the establishment of an education and training unit. Appendices| Department of Health, Victoria, Australia
Proposed consolidation of the misuse of drugs regulations 2001 August 2011
Including amendments to specific provisions, and proposals relating to the government’s response to remaining shipman inquiry recommendations | Home Office, UK
Whole of Government Victorian Alcohol and Drug Strategy August 2011
The Consultation Process | Government of Victoria, Australia
The safer management of controlled drugs August 2011
Annual report published in August 2011 which made recommendations on how chief executives and accountable officers could better aid the safer management of controlled drugs. Download | Care Quality Commission, UK
Home Office annual report and accounts 2010-11 July 2011
The annual report sets out the vision and priorities of the department over the past year, including progress against our priorities, and also sets out what the aims of the department are going forward | Home Office, UK
Healthy lives, healthy people: update and way forward July 2011
This policy statement reaffirms the Government’s bold vision for a new public health system. It sets out the progress we have made in developing our vision for public health, and a timeline for completing the operational design of this work through a series of Public Health System Reform Updates. Download | Department of Health, UK
National Minimum Data Set – specifications and collection manual July 2011
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set 2011-12: specifications and collection manual | AIHW, Australia
Piloting Payment by Results for Drugs Recovery – draft outcome definitions July 2011
A Co-design Group – consisting of representatives from local partnerships in the pilot sites and central cross government departments and experts from the field – has been developing proposals to measure these outcomes and set eligibility criteria | Department of Health, UK
2011 National Drug Control Strategy – Full report July 2011
The full report | ONDCP, USA
2011 National Drug Control Strategy – Budget summary July 2011
FY 2011 Budget Summary | ONDCP, USA
Drug situation in Georgia 2010 July 2011
There is an urgent need for a balanced, budgeted, feasible and measurable drug strategy and corresponding action plan in the country; adoption of National Drug Strategy will create necessary | Adiktologie Journal, Czech Republic
Denial of Petition To Initiate Proceedings To Reschedule Marijuana July 2011
Accordingly, and as set forth in detail in the accompanying DHHS and DEA documents, there is no statutory basis under the CSA for DEA to grant your petition to initiate rulemaking proceedings to reschedule marijuana. Your petition is, therefore, hereby denied | Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, USA
Australian Standard Classification of Drugs of Concern, 2011 July 2011
The ASCDC is an Australian statistical standard and should be used for the production and dissemination of all Australian statistics on drugs of concern | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Victorian Pharmacotherapy Review June 2011
The purpose of the review was to develop an evidence-based options paper ‘to ensure pharmacotherapy services in Victoria remain responsive to current and future demand while improving accessibility for clients and reducing service gaps’ | DPMP: NDARC, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre: Eastern Health, Australia
Drug policy profiles — Portugal June 2011
The EMCDDA Drug policy profiles aim to describe some of the main characteristics of national drug policies in Europe and beyond. PDF | EMCDDA
Consultation on Proposed Improvements to the Marijuana Medical Access Program June 2011
In response to concerns heard from Canadians, the Government of Canada announced on June 17, 2011 that it is considering improvements to the Program. The proposed improvements would reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation by criminal elements and keep our children and communities safe. Press release | Health Canada
The drugs (policies) don’t work June 2011
More than half of British people believe that the Government’s approach to illegal drugs is ineffective, our poll has discovered. Survey details and full results | YouGov, UK
National Prevention Strategy June 2011
America’s Plan for Better Health and Wellness | healthCare.gov, USA
Aberdeen City Drug Strategy 2011-21 June 2011
Aberdeen’s strategy for tackling drug misuse issues within the City | Aberdeen City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, UK
Recovery Defined June 2011
A Unified Working Definition and Set of Principles | SAMHSA, USA
Leading Change June 2011
A Plan for SAMHSA’s Roles and Actions 2011-2014 | SAMHSA, USA
Drugs (Roadside Testing) Bill (HC Bill 25) June 2011
A bill to make provision for roadside testing for illegal drugs; and for connected purposes | Parliament, UK
The transition to Public Health England: NTA Action plan 2011-12 May 2011
DH and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Drugs have approved the NTA’s work programme for the transition year 2011-12, while Public Health England is being set up. DH letter | National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK
National Care Standards: Care Homes for people with drug and alcohol misuse problems May 2011
The standards have been developed from the point of view of people who use the services and are grouped under headings which follow the person’s journey through the service | Scottish Government, UK
Kratom in Thailand: decriminalisation and community control? May 2011
This briefing paper provides an overview of issues related to kratom legislation and policy in Thailand as well as a set of conclusions and recommendations to contribute to a reassessment of the current ban on kratom in Thailand and the region | IDPC
Taking Drugs Seriously May 2011
A Demos and UK Drug Policy Commission report on legal highs. Full report and background paper | UKDPC
Ministry of Justice business plan May 2011
1.3 Work with the Department of Health to co-design and establish pilots to provide payments, based on outcomes, to providers to help individuals (including offenders) achieve sustained recovery from drug dependency | Ministry of Justice, UK
NZLC R122 Controlling and Regulating Drugs – A Review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 May 2011
The Law Commission issues its latest report, Controlling and Regulating Drugs – A Review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Part 1 and Part 2 | Law Commission, New Zealand
Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis April 2011
This Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan expands upon the Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy and includes action in four major areas to reduce prescription drug abuse: education, monitoring, proper disposal, and enforcement | Executive Office of the President of the United States
Throughout 2010 NDARC has provided Australia with a strong research base to address drug and alcohol problems | National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australia April 2011
Radical approach to drugs recovery piloted April 2011
Eight areas in England will test innovative new ways to help drug addicts recover and achieve a sustained recovery, Public Health Minister Anne Milton announced | Department of Health, UK
Greater flexibility for drug testing in police stations March 2011
Police forces will now have greater freedom and flexibility to drug test people on arrest, Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire announced today [Home Office, UK]
Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA’s Roles and Actions 2011-2014 March 2011
Full document or Executive Summary [SAMHSA, USA]
Sentencing for drugs offences – public consultation launched on new guideline for judges March 2011
The Sentencing Council is launching a three-month public consultation on its proposals to introduce a new guideline for judges and magistrates for the sentencing of drugs offenders [The Sentencing Council, UK]
Research and analysis publications March 2011
Regularly published research reports and analysis and research bulletins [The Sentencing Council, UK]
Change to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: control of tapentadol and amineptine March 2011
The 2011 Regulations similarly clarify the legislation on mephedrone by bringing mephedrone within the generic definition in paragraph 1(m) of Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 [Home Office, UK]
An assessment of illicit drug policy in Australia (1985-2010) March 2011
This monograph forms part of the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP) Monograph Series [DPMP, Australia]
This is the Government’s response to the independent report on drink and drug driving in Great Britain commissioned by the previous Government from Sir Peter North in December 2009. PDF [Department of Transport, UK]
Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 March 2011
The Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Act 2010 (the Act) came into effect in Victoria on 1 March 2011 – Summary PDF [Department of Health, Victoria, Australia]
Severe Substance Dependence Treatment Regulations 2011 March 2011
Authorised by the [Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Australia]
Managing Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Services February 2011
The audit found that the Department of Health has no assurance that the service system objectives, of effective case management and continuity of care for clients, and consistent, high quality services, are being achieved. Full report – Summary [Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, Australia]
Mainstreaming Recovery: Building a United Drug Treatment Field February 2011
Any drug treatment strategy and the system it describes, has to offer a range of concrete evident benefits – Ian Wardle [Lifeline, UK]
Should “legal highs” be regulated as medicinal products? February 2011
In the United Kingdom legislators are using the term “legal highs” as shorthand for emerging psychoactive substances that are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 but that in their opinion cause similar harm to those that are [BMJ, UK]
Changes to the National Drug Control Budget February 2011
The National Drug Control Strategy: FY 2012 Budget and Performance Summary reflects the new budget structure and framework, providing an inclusive and true description of the Federal contribution dedicated to the drug-control mission. Executive Summary – Full Text [ONDCP, USA]
Rethinking America’s Illegal Drug Policy February 2011
This paper provides a critical review of the empirical and theoretical literatures on illegal drug policy, including cross-country comparisons, in order to evaluate three drug policy regimes: criminalization, legalization and “depenalization.” [National Bureau of Economic Research]
Drug treatment cash to councils may hinge on recovery rates February 2011
The government proposes to revise the formula for distributing budgets to include an additional element which would reward partnerships for the number of individuals who have successfully overcome addiction in each locality [NTA, UK]
One Pot, one purpose – Recovery funding for 2011-12 February 2011
2011-12 is a key year of transition for the delivery of drug treatment and interventions. The new Drug Strategy sets out a radical step change in ambition for individuals and their recovery. Letter from Paul HayesChief Executive [NTA,UK]
2011-12 allocations in full February 2011
[NTA,UK]
Getting Serious about Stigma in Scotland February 2011
The problem with stigmatising drug users [UKDPC]
The Home Secretary writes to the ACMD on the government’s priorities for 2011–2012 February 2011
A letter from the Home Secretary setting out the government’s priorities for the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for the forthcoming financial year 2011-2012 [Home Office, UK]
Response to the ACMD’s report on ‘MDMA (‘ecstasy’) February 2011
A review of its harms and classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971’ (2009) [Home Office, UK]
Review of the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set February 2011
The purpose of this review was to assess the collection as an information source for alcohol and other drug services policy; assess data gaps; and, propose options for future development within the collection [AIHW, Australia]
By their fruits… Applying payment by results to drugs recovery February 2011
This briefing reviews the possible impacts of the introduction of payment by results to fund treatment and recovery services for problem drug users [UKDPC]
What should a recovery-oriented drug treatment system look like? February 2011
Consultation questionnaire 2nd February to 4th May 2011 [NTA, UK]
Report of the 2010 NDPB Review of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs February 2011
This is the report of the review of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs undertaken by Sir David Omand in December 2010 [Home Office, UK]
Dedicated drug court: process evaluation January 2011
A process evaluation study of dedicated drug courts, their implementation and factors underpinning the potential for DDCs to reduce drug use and associated offending. PDF [Ministry of Justice, UK]
ACMD letter on Sativex January 2011
Letter from the ACMD to crime prevention minister James Brokenshire on the cannabis-based product Sativex – PDF [Home Office, UK]
Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use among Young People January 2011
A comparative study of early school-leavers and school attending students [NACD, Ireland]
National Drug Strategy January 2011
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Complementary Action Plan 2003-2009 [Australian Government]
Strategic Plan 2010-2014 January 2011
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre’s Strategic Plan 2010-2014 [NCPIC, Australia]
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 January 2011
This framework sets policy directions and identifies program goals to assist governments and administrators planning the future development of needle and syringe programs – PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
APPG on Complex Needs and Dual Diagnosis January 2011
APPG on Complex Needs and Dual Diagnosis 9th December 2010 – minutes and presentation by MEAM, presentation by Revolving Doors and summary of Turning Point cost benefit analysis [Turning Point, UK]
Adults with multiple needs and exclusions: the challenges for government and public services January 2011
Policy briefing discussing the lessons from the event and more recent political development [Institute for Government/MEAM, UK]
Drug related deaths: setting a local review process January 2011
An updated guide on setting up a local review process into drug-related deaths [NTA, UK]
Felipe Calderón’s War: It’s Time for a Serious Debate January 2011
On current trends, Mexico will end 2010 with more than 11,000 drug-related executions, nearly five times as many as in 2006, at the dawn of President Felipe Calderón’s offensive against the country’s drug trafficking cartels [Brookings, USA]
2010
Advice for drug workers re drug users and employment December 2010
The reintegration and recovery of drug users is at the heart of the new drug strategy. Also a Joint-working Protocol between Jobcentre Plus and treatment providers has been published [National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
Needle and Syringe Program December 2010
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Piloting payment by results for drugs recovery: Invitation to participate December 2010
The Drug Strategy 2010, Reducing demand, restricting supply, building recovery: Supporting people to live a drug free life, sets out an ambition to explore how to use Payment by Results to incentivise the drug system to improve delivery of recovery outcomes. Local partnerships are now invited to participate in a pilot programme to explore how to realise this ambition. Covering letter – Invitation [NTA, UK]
Response to the National Drug Strategy 2010 – 2015 December 2010
A framework for action on alcohol, tobacco, illegal and other drugs [VAADA, Australia]
Drug strategy consultation December 2010 December 2010
Summary of the consultation responses [Home Office, UK]
Drug strategy 2010 (PDF file – 477kb) December 2010
This is the 2010 drug strategy, ‘Reducing demand, restricting supply, building recovery: supporting people to live a drug-free life’ [Home Office, UK]
Impact assessment (PDF file – 311kb) December 2010
This document provides an overarching assessment of the impacts of the new drug strategy [Home Office, UK]
Equality screening document (PDF file – 222kb) December 2010
This document summarises the initial findings of the equality considerations for the new drug strategy [Home Office, UK]
Drink and drug driving law December 2010
First Report of Session 2010–11. House of Commons Transport Committee [Parliament, UK]
A guide to reviewing and developing alcohol, tobacco and other drug resources for young people December 2010
[Prepared by the Australian Drug Foundation in partnership with the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT and the ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector]
Progression Routes November 2010
The Progression Routes Initiative connects interagency service delivery with national policy, promoting best practice through pilot initiatives and the provision of practical organisational supports [Progression Routes, Ireland]
ACMD Response to Drug Strategy Consultation 2010 November 2010
The consultation has several substantial questions that, for a detailed and thoroughly considered response, could have discussions and meetings devoted to themselves. Therefore, bearing in mind the relatively short consultation period the ACMD’s response is not a systematic review, but evidence that has been provided at the time [Home Office, UK]
Briefing on Drug Strategy Consultation 2010 November 2010
This paper summarises a selection of responses to the drug strategy consultation [DrugScope, UK]
Alternative Development or Business as Usual? November 2010
The Chinese Government’s opium substitution programmes in northern Burma and Laos have brought some developments, but have concomitantly had serious negative consequences for China’s two neighbours – Briefing [Transnational Institute, Netherlands]
Foil report November 2010
This report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the use of foil, as an intervention, to reduce the harms of injecting heroin [Home Office, UK]
Home Office business plan shifts power from government to the people November 2010
The Home Office business plan sets out a radical plan for reform that will change the way we’re held to account for the work we do [Home Office, UK]
Mephedrone: still available and twice the price November 2010
These findings suggest that classification of mephedrone has had a limited effect on controlling its availability and use [The Lancet, UK]
Import ban on psychoactive drug November 2010
The government has today banned the importation of a drug found in some samples of so-called legal high Ivory Wave [Home Office, UK]
Facing the future: Paul Hayes’ speech to Drugscope conference November 2010
Harm reduction services will remain a cornerstone of a balanced drug treatment system even as it adopts a more recovery-oriented focus, according to Paul Hayes, Chief Executive [NTA, UK]
Building a national drugs observatory: a joint handbook October 2010
National drugs observatories have flourished and developed rapidly over the last two decades as a direct consequence of the decisions taken to establish regional drug monitoring systems, both in the European Union and in the Americas [EMCDDA]
SMMGP Drug Strategy Consultation Results October 2010
SMMGP recently conducted a consultation of its members regarding the Drug Strategy review. Survey results [SMMGP, UK]
The European Union and the drug phenomenon October 2010
Frequently asked questions [EMCDDA and the European Commission]
Statistical release October 2010
Statistics for drug treatment activity in England 2009-10 from NDTMS [NTA, UK]
Report October 2010
Statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System:1 April 2009 – 31 March 2010 [NTA, UK]
Drug Treatment in 2009-10 October 2010
The findings of this independent study indicate the first signs of an important shift among this hard-to-reach population. For example, they report a real decrease in the number of opiate users: put simply, there are now almost 11,000 fewer heroin addicts in England [NTA, UK]
National and regional estimates of the prevalence of opiate and/or crack cocaine use 2008–09 October 2010
This report summarises the results of a follow-up study to a three year project to estimate the prevalence of ‘problem drug use’ (defined as use of opiates and/or crack cocaine) nationally (England only), regionally and locally [NTA, UK]
Estimates of the Prevalence of Opiate Use and/or Crack Cocaine Use, 2008/09: Sweep 5 report October 2010
[The Centre for Drug Misuse Research, University of Glasgow In collaboration with The National Drug Evidence Centre, University of Manchester]
Tools for Debate: US Federal Government Data on Cannabis Prohibition October 2010
A report of the [International Centre for Science in Drug Policy]
Board meeting and papers September 2010
For meeting on 5 October 2010 [NTA, UK]
National drug treatment waiting times framework National reports September 2010
Apr – Jun ’10 PDF [Drug Misuse in Scotland, UK]
Insights on the Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Prices and Consumption September 2010
Testimony presented before the California State Assembly Public Safety Committee and California State Senate Public Safety Committee on September 21, 2010 – Full document [RAND, USA]
Report of the Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction Working Group September 2010
The working group is committed to the finding that the current organization of SUAA research at NIH is not optimal for fulfilling the agency’s mission or optimizing research in substance use, abuse, and addiction [NIH, USA]
Research For Recovery: A Review of the Drugs Evidence Base September 2010
A review of international evidence to support Scotland’s National Drugs Strategy, The Road to Recovery. This report presents evidence on effective treatment and recovery from substance misuse – Main findings [Scottish Government, UK]
Breakthrough Northern Ireland August 2010
Chapter 2.4 Addiction [Centre for Social Justice, UK]
How Can Domestic U.S. Drug Policy Help Mexico? August 2010
There is little that the U.S. can do to reduce consumption over the next five years that will help Mexico. The evidence is that enforcement, prevention, or treatment programs cannot make a large difference in U.S. consumption in that time period – Peter Reuter [Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, USA]
Drugs Rehabilitation Scrutiny Review August 2010
The keynote recommendation of this scrutiny review is brutally simple, namely that the success of rehabilitation services must be measured in terms of the number of people that are rehabilitated – and that services must be urgently re-engineered with eyes on the prize of rehabilitation [Northamptonshire County Council, UK]
2010 Drug strategy consultation paper August 2010
The government plans to publish a new drug strategy later this year. This targeted consultation provides an early opportunity for a wide range of partners to contribute to the development of the new strategy [Home Office, UK]
Online response for the 2010 Drug Strategy August 2010
You can either respond to all sections in turn by selecting ‘Start’, or jump to individual sections [Home Office, UK]
Kerlikowske draws the wrong conclusions August 2010
What can be learned from the Dutch cannabis experience? [Transnational Institute, Netherlands]
NTA Business Plan 2010/11 August 2010
The key actions identified in the Business Plan are: Improving outcomes – Better value for money – Championing abstinence-focussed treatment – Commissioning a rebalanced treatment system – Rehabilitating offenders [NTA, UK]
Drug and Alcohol Strategy Annual Report 2009-10 July 2010
This report is a snapshot of all the work in progress to ensure that we continue to be an Island where families, individuals and communities feel safe, protected and secure [Department of Home Affairs, Isle of Man Government]
State election 2010 – Drugs, crime and prisons July 2010
This paper was produced in June and utilised during meetings with Members of Parliament in Drug Action Week [VAADA, Australia]
State election 2010 – An accessible and quality drug treatment system July 2010
This paper was produced in June and utilised during meetings with Members of Parliament in Drug Action Week [VAADA, Australia]
State election 2010 – Responding to older AOD users July 2010
This paper was produced in June and utilised during meetings with Members of Parliament in Drug Action Week [VAADA, Australia]
Legal Highs – Taking drugs seriously July 2010
This project will examine and evaluate the ways in which the UK seeks to control drugs following the proliferation of new synthetic substances. This will include a fundamental rethink of drug control approaches, policy objectives and a serious consideration of intended and unintended consequences, including alternatives to criminal penalties [Demos, UK]
Drugs & diversity: the impact of drugs on different minority groups July 2010
These wide-ranging reports describe what is known about treatment and prevention within diverse communities, including LGBT groups, disabled people and BME communities [UKDPC]
Analysis of national programmes on HIV and drug control July 2010
Accessibility of HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Legislative and Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Reform – Download PDF report [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, UNODC]
National reports 2009 July 2010
Commissioned each year by the EMCCDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member state [EMCDDA]
Draft Structural Reform Plan July 2010
Develop a comprehensive approach to drug misuse – Develop options for alcohol taxation and pricing to ensure it tackles binge drinking [Home Office, UK]
‘Legal high’ Naphyrone banned July 2010
Naphyrone – often advertised as ‘NRG1’ – and its related compounds are to be banned and made Class B drugs, minister for crime prevention James Brokenshire announced today [Home Office, UK]
How Might Marijuana Legalization in California Affect Public Budgets and Marijuana Consumption? July 2010
Legalizing marijuana in California would lead to a substantial decline in price, but there is much uncertainty about legalization’s effect on public budgets and consumption; even minor changes in assumptions lead to major differences in outcomes PDF [RAND, USA]
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Naphyrone Report (2010) July 2010
This report is a consideration of naphyrone (also known as NRG-1, Energy1, or O-2482; or naphthylpyrovalerone), a naphthyl analogue of pyrovalerone, which acts as a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor, producing psychostimulant effects (hereafter referred to as naphyrone). Internationally, it is controlled under Schedule IV of the 1971 UN Conventions. PDF [Home Office, UK]
NTA Annual accounts 2009/10 June 2010
[National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
Drug Sector Partnership treatment consensus statement June 2010
PDF [DrugScope, UK]
Drugs research: An overview of evidence and questions for policy June 2010
In 2001 the Joseph Rowntree Foundation embarked upon a programme of research that explored the problem of illicit drugs in the UK. The research addressed many questions that were often too sensitive for the government to tackle. In many cases, these studies represented the first research on these issues. This study gives an overview of the projects in the programme – Full Report [Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK]
Problem drug users’ experiences of employment and the benefit system June 2010
The report of research carried out by the University of Bath and the University of Glasgow on behalf of the [Department for Work and Pensions, UK]
Drugs and Crime – Question for Short Debate June 2010
Tabled By Baroness Meacher – To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime discussion paper Treating Drug Dependence through Healthcare, not Punishment. House of Lords debates, 15 June 2010 [TheyWorkForYou, UK]
General report of activities 2009 June 2010
The General report of activities is an annual publication providing a detailed progress report of the EMCDDA’s activities over a 12-month period [EMCDDA]
DrugScope submission to the Social Security Advisory Committee consultation June 2010
The Social Security (Claimants Dependent on Drugs) (Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010 – response from [DrugScope/London Drug and Alcohol Network, UK]
Time to re-examine UK drug policy and take a different approach to decision making June 2010
The news of the toxicology tests showing that the two teenage deaths in Scunthorpe (March 2010) were not linked to mephedrone, provides more evidence to support recent calls by the UK Drug Policy Commission for a fresh look at different ways of formulating drug policy [UKDPC]
Drug-related research: Member States May 2010
Updated – A better overview of ongoing research and existing research structures may assist researchers in Member States to avoid duplication, improve collaboration and help disseminate knowledge of funding opportunities [EMCDDA]
Detention as Treatment May 2010
Detention of Methamphetamine Users in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand PDF [Open Society Institute, USA]
Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2009 May 2010
Public Attitudes to Drugs and Drug Use in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
National guidelines for services providing injecting equipment May 2010
Guidelines for services providing injecting equipment: Best practice recommendations for commissioners and injecting equipment provision (IEP) services in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign May 2010
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has announced a new partnership with the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign (NDC) offering Drug Action Week organisers the ability to order free NDC promotional material [Australian Government]
Colin Mair on Community Resilience – Video May 2010
Budget Scenario – Threat or Opportunity [FEAD, UK]
Alcohol and Drugs – a Question of Architecture May 2010
A systems mapping approach to how Scotland can reduce the damage to its population through alcohol and drugs by half by 2025 [Scotland’s Futures Forum]
Canadian Court of Appeal upholds supervised injection site’s right to operate May 2010
North America’s first supervised injection facilty, was a provincial undertaking that did not undermine the federal goals of protecting health or eliminating the market that drives drugrelated offences. As such, the Court held that the drug possession and trafficking provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) did not apply to Insite. Download [International Yearbook on Human Rights and Drug Policy]
2010 National Drug Control Strategy May 2010
It provides a collaborative and balanced approach that emphasizes community-based prevention, integration of evidence-based treatment into the healthcare system, innovations in the criminal justice system, and international partnerships to disrupt drug trafficking organizations. Read the full strategy [ONDCP, USA]
Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain May 2010
Including – Managing Opioid Misuse and Addiction in CNCP Patients [Via- McMaster University, Canada]
Governments, policies and manifestos May 2010
This preview of Obama’s first US drugs policy is set in context of the manifestos of three contenders for the next UK government, with timely identification of key goals and outcomes [Addiction Today, UK]
“Stop the Top”: NTA response… vs the evidence May 2010
Dr Jason Luty revealed research in the March 2010 issue of Addiction Today showing that the National Treatment Agency’s Top Treatment Outcome Profile form is “criminally invalid”. The NTA’s Colin Bradbury gives his defence below – and Addiction Today editor Deirdre Boyd balances the scales by laying out some of the facts ascertaining the validity of NTA claims [Addiction Today, UK]
Medical Marijuana and the Law April 2010
The U.S. legal landscape surrounding “medical marijuana” is complex and rapidly changing [New England Journal of Medicine, USA]
Time to rethink our drug control laws April 2010
The UK Drug Policy Commission and think-tank Demos are joining forces to examine how drug control in the UK can be handled in different ways [UKDPC]
This guidance takes the local community as the starting point of its approach to dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Its focus is not only on meeting national priorities, but about making a difference at a local level [Home Office, UK]
Testimony presented before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy on April 14, 2010. Full document [RAND, USA]
Medical Marijuana April 2010
Review and Analysis of Federal and State Policies [Congressional Research Service, USA]
Indigenous-specific alcohol and other drug interventions April 2010
Nationwide Review of Investment into Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Programs [ANCD, Australia]
Tackling problem drug use April 2010
Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence [The Committee of Public Accounts, House of Commons, UK]
Broad Public Support For Legalizing Medical Marijuana April 2010
Modest Rise in Percentage Favoring General Legalization – Complete report [Pew Research Centre, USA]
An environmental scan on alcohol and other drug issues facing law enforcement in Australia 2010 April 2010
This is the second alcohol and other drug environmental scan undertaken for the law enforcement sector in Australia [NDLERF]
Consideration of the cathinones April 2010
Report from the [Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, UK]
Afghanistan cannabis survey 2009 April 2010
This report is dedicated to the memory Late Amanullah, who was tragically killed in Kandahar in October 2009 while undertaking work for this cannabis survey [UNODC]
Pathways to Problems 2009 March 2010
A follow-up report on the implementation of recommendations from Pathways to Problems. Press release [AMCD, Home Office, UK]
Home Secretary bans mephedrone March 2010
Mephedrone and its related compounds are to be banned and made Class B drugs following recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs [Home Office, UK]
Professor A Thomas McLellan: Lecture at the National Addiction Centre UK March 2010 March 2010
Professor McLellan was invited by Mike Ashton of Drug and Alcohol Findings to speak at the National Addiction Centre. The event was hosted by the NAC, organised by Drug and Alcohol Findings, Drugscope and Conference Consortium [FEAD, UK]
Accountability, transparency and value for money – the NTA’s new structure March 2010
This has given the NTA the opportunity to improve working across the organisation and to mainstream quality considerations in day to day business. The new top level organisational restructure is available here ppt [NTA, UK]
Tackling problem drug use March 2010
An uncorrected transcript of evidence [Committee of Public Accounts, Parliament, UK]
The Cocaine Trade March 2010
Home Affairs Committee – Seventh Report [Parliament, UK]
Parliamentary Handbook on HIV and AIDS February 2010
Drug abuse is a predisposing factor in HIV transmission because it impairs judgment, often leading to risky sexual behavior. Injecting drug use involving the use of needles and syringes carries even greater risks [Cambodian Parliament]
Drug Policy Timeline February 2010
The Australian (illicit) drug policy timeline has been updated: 1985-2010 [DPMP, Australia]
Cross-government drugs research strategy February 2010
This strategy provides a foundation, direction and guidance for collaboration within government and between government and other stakeholders [Home Office, UK]
Crime and the Criminal Justice System: Substance Misuse February 2010
An Ideas Wales Policy Discussion Paper by Julian Buchanan, Jonathan Evans, Gordon Hughes and Kate Williams [Ideas Wales, UK]
Iran’s 30-Year War on Drugs February 2010
Over the past 30 years, the poisonous effects of Afghanistan’s narcotics industry have steadily transformed Iran’s law enforcement and border security institutions, forcing drastic changes in the way Iran deals with what has become a burgeoning transnational narco-insurgency on its southeastern frontier with Pakistan and Afghanistan [World Politics Review]
Review of Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 February 2010
‘Controlling and regulating drugs’ (NZLC IP16, Wellington 2010) is an Issues Paper which traces the history of drug policy and regulation in New Zealand, and reviews the current approach to drug control and regulation [Law Commission, New Zealand]
Claire Sweeney February 2010
New FEAD contributor Claire Sweeney is currently Portfolio manager, Audit Scotland – 16 videos [FEAD, UK]
Drugs and Harm: A New Agenda for a New Government? February 2010
50 people gathered at Cumberland Lodge to discuss the UK’s drug control system and how it could be improved [Cumberland Lodge, UK]
Parliamentary Briefing February 2010
The latest parliamentary briefing from the [National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
The NSDUH Report – Substance Use Treatment Need among Uninsured Workers February 2010
An estimated 3.0 million uninsured full-time workers (16.3 percent) needed substance use treatment in the past year; specifically, 13.3 percent needed alcohol use treatment, 5.6 percent needed illicit drug use treatment, and 2.7 percent needed both alcohol and illicit drug use treatment [SAMHSA, USA]
National Drug Control Budget February 2010
FY 2011 Funding Highlights [White House, USA]
FY 2011 Drug Control Program Highlights February 2010
The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 National Drug Control Budget requests $15.5 billion to reduce drug use and its consequences in the United States [White House, USA]
Beckley Briefing paper – What can we learn from Sweden’s drug policy experience? January 2010
This briefing paper will analyse Swedish drug control policy in its legal, clinical, political, social and cultural dimensions and consider the claims and policy-objectives it has been used to support. In the course of this analysis, it will explore the implications of Sweden’s model, if any, for other countries [International Drug Policy Consortium]
“Skin on the Cable” January 2010
The Illegal Arrest, Arbitrary Detention and Torture of People Who Use Drugs in Cambodia [Human Rights Watch]
Commissioning for Recovery January 2010
An essential guide for drug action teams in England, which summarises the best of current commissioning practice in the drug treatment field [National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
2009
Misleading and Misguided: Mandatory Prison Sentences for Drug Offences December 2009
Brief to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs regarding Bill C-15, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. 19-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Banned – GBL and other ‘legal highs’ December 2009
A range of former so called ‘legal highs’ including GBL, BZP and man-made chemicals sprayed on herbal smoking products such as ‘Spice’ are now illegal [Home Office, UK]
Development First December 2009
A More Promising Approach to Reducing Cultivation of Crops for Illicit Markets [WOLA]
Redefining Targets December 2009
Towards a Realistic Afghan Drug Control Strategy [Transnational Institute]
Home Office Research Report 26 December 2009
The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS): Qualitative Study [Home Office, UK]
Home Office Research Report 25 December 2009
The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS): Cost-effectiveness analysis [Home Office, UK]
Home Office Research Report 24 December 2009
The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS): Final Outcomes Report [Home Office, UK]
Home Office Research Report 23 December 2009
Summary of key findings from the Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) [Home Office, UK]
Consultation: Australia’s National Drug Strategy beyond 2009 December 2009
The Consultation Paper has been prepared on behalf of the MCDS by the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs National Drug Strategy Development Working Group. The MCDS invites feedback on the paper [NDS, Australia]
Adult family members and carers of dependent drug users – full report November 2009
The full 55-page PDF report by Prof. Alex Copello, Lorna Templeton and Dr Jane Powell [UKDPC]
The Effects of Drug User Registration Laws on People’s Rights and Health November 2009
Recent research has revealed that drug user registration laws in the former Soviet Union unfairly restrict the civil rights of drug users and impede their access to drug treatment. Key Findings from Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. 42-page PDF [Open Society Institute via IDPC]
Local Matters November 2009
A new report “Making it Local” has been published which looks at the functionality and status of DATs and other local drug partnerships. In equal measure optimistic and critical, the report makes a series of recommendations about how local structures could be supported to better implement national strategy – while prioritising the needs of people directly affected by drug use and local communities [Sara McGrail, UK]
Transform launch new guide to legal regulation of drugs in the House of Commons November 2009
‘ After the War on Drugs: Blueprint for Regulation’ has been launched at an event in the House of Commons, with simultaneous launches taking place in the US (at the Drug Policy Alliance conference in Albuquerque ), Australia and Mexico. December will see further launch events in Brazil and the EU parliament [TDPF, UK]
Policies to Prevent Drug Problems November 2009
This document focuses primarily on policy research needed to prevent problems associated with illegal drugs in the United States. 36-page PDF [RWJF, USA]
The Effects of Drug User Registration Laws on People’s Rights and Health November 2009
Key Findings from Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. 42-page PDF [Open Society Institute]
Estimating drug harms: a risky business? October 2009
Professor David Nutt Eve Saville Lecture 2009. 13-page PDF [Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, King’s College, UK]
The Cocaine Trade – Home Affairs committee: Witnesses October 2009
1. Paul Hayes, Chief Executive, National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, and The Priory Hospital
2. Professor Nutt, Chair, Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs
Communities for Health: unlocking the energy within communities to improve health October 2009
These local reports show what can be achieved to make a real difference to peoples’ lives when local partners work together with the communities they serve. 183-page PDF [DoH, UK]
Medical marijuana October 2009
Review and analysis of federal and state policies. 50-page PDF [Congressional Research Service, USA]
NTA Annual report October 2009
Recovery begins here – The year in numbers – Sustaining recovery – Changing behaviour – Joined-up thinking for better outcomes – Information value – The grass-roots response – NTA board and staff. 16-page PDF [NTA, UK]
The Substance Abuse Policy Research Program Releases 5-Year Research Roadmap October 2009
On October 2, 2009, SAPRP released research agendas on tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse and treatment to identify proven policies and highlight the major outstanding questions that must be explored during the next five years [SAPRP, USA]
NTA board meeting – 6 OCtober 2009 October 2009
Papers are now available [NTA, UK]
Annual Report 2008 September 2009
The fourth edition of the Office of the Director of Mental Health Annual Report [Office of the Director of Mental Health, Australia]
LDAN Briefing on Domestic Violence and Substance Misuse September 2009
It is important to address the underlying complexities of both the substance misuse and violent behaviour to fully support and protect the families and individuals involved [LDAN, UK]
National Drug Research Institute Annual Report 2008: Preventing harmful drug use in Australia September 2009
During 2008, NDRI researchers were involved in over 110 projects, many of which are expected to result in a direct influence on policy, practice and the community [NDRI, Australia]
Untreatable or just hard to treat? September 2009
Results of the Randomised Injectable Opioid Treatment Trial (RIOTT) [King’s Health Partners, UK]
Comparing the drug situation across countries: Problems, Pitfalls and Possibilities September 2009
This briefing paper seeks to compare the drugs situation in a number of developed countries. Data from six European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are included [Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme]
National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 September 2009
The overall strategic objective for the National Drugs Strategy 2009–2016 is: To continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research [Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Ireland]
Doing Better for Children September 2009
This unique report was commissioned by the Scottish Recovery Network and is the result of a long-standing project to investigate carers’ perspectives of recovery and experiences supporting recovery. 47-page PDF [Scottish Recovery Network, UK]
Pathway to Home September 2009
The Way Home 2008-2013 and realising the 2010 Vision of the Homeless Agency Partnership’s action plan on homelessness in Dublin. 140-page PDF [Homeless Agency via drugsandalcohol.ie, Ireland]
Recovery and the UK Drug Treatment System: key dimensions of change August 2009
This discussion aims to develop the ongoing debate about the future of the Drug Treatment field in the United Kingdom. It takes up certain themes from the current debates and discussions about the Recovery Orientation in drug treatment and seeks to locate these discussions historically in terms of a paradigm analysis, but also contemporaneously in terms of other key dimensions of current change.. 73-page PDF [Ian Wardle, CEO, Lifeline Project, UK]
All Wales Review of Substance Misuse Prescribing Services August 2009
This first review 129-page PDF has focused on the commissioning and provision of substitute drugs such as methadone which is used to help manage and reduce the use of illegal opiate drugs such as heroin. The review has also established an overview of substance misuse services across Wales and a baseline of provision which will be used to inform future reviews. [Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, UK]
Modelling pharmacotherapy maintenance in Australia exploring August 2009
Exploring affordability, availability, accessibility and quality using system dynamics. 80-page PDF [Australian National Council on Drugs]
FEAD (Film Exchange on Alcohol and Drugs) August 2009
A resource that brings short video presentations from leading figures in the alcohol and drugs field direct to your screen. The contributors cover a range of topics honestly and directly – including: achievements, problem areas, and reflections on the field’s history. Many people have found the website useful in helping discussions and expanding on practice and theory. Please feel free to use the material to enrich your events, seminars, groups, teaching etc
Drug Policy Timeline August 2009
The Australian (illicit) drug policy timeline has been updated: 1985-2009. Please feel free to email through any comments or suggested inclusions to caitlin.hughes@unsw.edu.au. 58-page PDF [DPMP, Australia]
ACMD report on the major cannabinoid agonists August 2009
This report draws on much of the evidence cited in the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) recent assessment of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, based on an expert meeting held in Lisbon on 6th March 2009. 29-page PDF [ACND, UK]
NTA Business Plan 2009/10 August 2009
The role of the NTA, Action for 2009-10, Risk management, NTA resources, NTA budget. 25-page PDF [NTA, UK]
How Opium Profits the Taliban August 2009
This report illustrates how—for more than three decades of conflict in Afghanistan—the opium trade has become deeply embedded in the politics of the region. 44-page PDF [United States Institute of Peace]
Putting science and engineering at the heart of government policy August 2009
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 [UKDPC]
Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2009-2014 July 2009
This is the fourth Drug and Alcohol Strategy the Department has produced [Department of Corrections, New Zealand Government]
Refocusing Drug-Related Law Enforcement to Address Harms July 2009
This report describes the findings of a project conducted by the UK Drug Policy Commission 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. 96-page PDF [UKDPC]
Moving towards Real Impact Drug Enforcement – Briefing July 2009
Strategy and policy implications. 16-page PDF [UKDPC]
Country overviews July 2009
A structured synopsis of the trends and characteristics of national drug problems. They consist of a summary of the national drug situation, key statistics at a glance and a barometer showing the drug use prevalence position of each country – July update [EMCDDA]
ACMD Annual Report 2008-09 July 2009
This report gives a summary of the main issues the ACMD considered between April 2008 – March 2009 as well as information about its terms of reference, committees and working groups and membership and administrative arrangements. 32-page PDF [Home Office, UK]
From Golden Triangle to Rubber Belt ? July 2009
The Future of Opium Bans in the Kokang and Wa Regions [TNI, Netherlands]
ADCA Strategic Plan 2009-2012 July 2009
This Strategic Plan emphasises that ADCA must work in collaboration with a wide range of partners, and build effective partnerships both within and outside the AOD sector. 8-page PDF [ADCA, Australia]
Diversity: learning from good practice in the field July 2009
This report highlights good practice in diversity, based on interviews with local drug partnerships that performed well in a related service review. 28-page PDF [NTA, UK]
Equality and diversity July 2009
This is the first detailed investigation into knowledge of drugs and drug services among a range of black and minority ethnic groups in England: South Asian, Black African, Black Caribbean, Kurdish, Turkish Cypriot and Turkish, Chinese and Vietnamese [NTA, UK]
A guide to improving practice in housing for drug users June 2009
Offering fresh insight into the development, planning and delivery of housing and related support services for drug users, it introduces new ways of joined-up working that will help to improve practice. 16-page PDF [Home Office, UK]
European Drug Policy Survey June 2009
This is a report on the results of a public poll survey on drug policy opinions among the general adult population of 6 European Union member states: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. 21-page PDF [Hungarian Civil Liberties Union]
One by John Carnevale and the second by Peter Reuter and Jonathan Caulkins. Both submissions provide damning assessments of the performance of the Office of National Drug Control Policy over the last 8 years[IDPC]
Submission to the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry: The Cocaine Trade June 2009
This submission will demonstrate how the criminalisation of cocaine is at the root of many of the issues with which HASC is grappling in this inquiry. 7-page PDF
National Offender Management Service drug strategy 2008-2011 June 2009
The drug strategy provides staff, delivery partners, service providers and other stakeholders with an overview of the role NOMS will take in addressing drug misuse and the crime it causes. PDFs Strategy – Action plan – Getting the message across [Home Office, UK]
Alcohol and other drug treatment services NMDS specifications: 2009-10 June 2009
Data dictionary, collection guidelines and validation processes [AIHW, Australia]
Major Report on U.S. Tobacco Control Policies and Use Finds Stark Contrasts in Progress Among States June 2009
The United States is becoming a nation of haves and have-nots when it comes to tobacco control, according to a comprehensive publication (16.34MB) on cigarette smoking prevalence and policies in the U.S. that was released today [University at Buffalo, USA]
Recovery and the UK Drug Treatment System: key dimensions of change June 2009
This discussion aims to develop the ongoing debate about the future of the Drug Treatment field in the United Kingdom. It takes up certain themes from the current debates and discussions about the Recovery Orientation in drug treatment and seeks to locate these discussions historically in terms of a paradigm analysis, but also contemporaneously in terms of other key dimensions of current change. 60 Pge PDF with References [Ian Wardle, Lifeline, UK]
Clean Switch: The Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada June 2009
This paper outlines the available evidence and the legal rationale, under federal Canadian and international human rights law, for Canada to implement PNSPs without delay. 44-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Submission to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions June 2009
This submission provided advice to the Ontario Legislature’s Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions. 38-page PDF [Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada]
Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation June 2009
This examination looked at all the main publicly-funded treatment and rehabilitation services provided for persons with addiction to illegal drugs. In particular, it looked at the extent to which the demand for treatment and rehabilitation services is met, and the timeliness of access to treatment. It also looked at the extent to which the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation services are evaluated, and the effectiveness of the arrangements for coordination of treatment and rehabilitation at an individual case level, and nationally. 96-page PDF [Comptroller and Auditor General, Ireland]
Presentations from the 2009 National Drug Treatment Conference June 2009
Full list of speaker presentations from the conference, along with online audio of the main hall speeches, powerpoint presentations, abstracts and biographies [Exchange Supplies, UK]
Drug Control Strategy June 2009
2010 Budget Summary. 204-page PDF [White House, USA]
It’s their own fault for doing drugs May 2009
Inaugural Professorial Lecture May 2009 – This lecture explored the negative impact of the war on drugs upon drug users [Professor Julian Buchanan, Glyndwr University, Wales, UK]
Shoveling Up II: The Impact of Substance Abuse on Federal, State and Local Budgets May 2009
In this report, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has identified the total amount spent by federal, state and local governments on substance abuse and addiction–the first time such an analysis has ever been undertaken. 176-page PDF [CASA. USA]
The Road to Recovery: One year On May 2009
A progress report detailing achievements over the last year following the publication of Scotland’s drugs strategy “The Road to Recovery” [Scottish Government, UK]
The Phoney Argument For a New Drug War May 2009
This detailed critique of the Centre for Policy Studies report ‘The Phoney War on Drugs’ was prepared by Axel Klein, Lecturer in the Study of Addictive Behaviour, Centre for Health Service Studies, University of Kent [TDPF, UK]
Non-government organisations in the alcohol and other drugs sector May 2009
Issues and options for sustainability [ANCD, Australia]
The Story of Drug Treatment May 2009
A timely look back, and forwards, at the achievements and challenges of the drug treatment system in England. 8-page PDF [NTA, UK]
National Prescription Drug Threat Assessment 2009 May 2009
This assessment examines current nonmedical use of prescription-type psychotherapeutic drugs and discusses their distribution, the societal impact of diversion and abuse, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs that have been established legislatively in many states to stem diversion and abuse [NDIC, USA]
Building on Our Strengths May 2009
Canadian Standards for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention. 71-page PDF [Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse]
Strengthening our Collective Responses May 2009
Strategic Plan 2009-2013. 36-page PDF [Dublin 12 Local Drugs Task Force, Ireland]
The Phoney War on Drugs May 2009
In The Phoney War on Drugs, published today by the Centre for Policy Studies, author Kathy Gyngell shows that the UK has one of the most liberal drugs policies in Europe, combined with one of the worst enforcement and drug use records. 82-page PDF [Centre for Policy Studies]
Evaluation of the Mandatory Drug Testing of Arrestees Pilot May 2009
Findings of a process evaluation and cost effectiveness analysis of the three Mandatory Drug Testing of Arrestees pilot schemes in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
Making Sense of Australia’s Alcohol Guidelines April 2009
An NCETA workforce development tool
The Story of Drug Treatment April 2009
A timely look back, and forwards, at the achievements and challenges of the drug treatment system in England [NTA, UK]
The 2008 drug strategy: one year on April 2009
The government published the new drug strategy on 27 February 2008. In the year since its publication there has been a great deal of progress [Home Office]
Report of the Alcohol and Drugs Delivery Reform Group April 2009
[Scottish Government, UK]
Planning, commissioning and delivering the training and employment pathway for problem drug users April 2009
Developing practice for drug partnerships, Jobcentre Plus and drug treatment providers [National Treatment Agency, UK]
Misleading and Misguided: Mandatory Prison Sentences for Drug Offences (April 2009) April 2009
Brief for submission April 22, 2009 to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights regarding Bill C-15, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts,. 18-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
An Audit Scotland report, Drug and alcohol services in Scotland, provides further evidence of Scotland’s growing problem with drug and alcohol misuse [Audit Scotland, UK]
To reduce health risks from Drinking Alcohol March 2009
Australian Guidelines. 179-page PDF [NHMRC, Australia]
Clarifying Rationale for Research and Development Funding Decisions Would Increase Accountability March 2009
We are recommending that the ONDCP Director identify the role that different factors played in funding decisions, and document the basis for selecting specific R&D project concepts for funding, including the rationale for selecting certain project concepts over others. ONDCP agreed with the findings and recommendation in this report and stated that identifying and documenting the director’s decision making process should promote greater transparency in funding decisions and accountability for the best use of R&D funds. 52-page PDF [United States Government Accountability Office]
Crack cocaine in the Dublin Region February 2009
An evidence base for a crack cocaine strategy. 142-page PDF [HRB, Ireland]
A review of MDMA (‘ecstasy’), its harms and classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (2009) February 2009
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers that a review of MDMA would be timely given: that there is a greater body of scientific evidence now available since the ACMD’s last advice to Ministers; the further information available on current use; and the length of time since the ACMD last provided advice to Ministers. 49-page PDF [Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Home Office, UK]
2007 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) January 2009
This 216 page publication provides the latest national and State level data on the location, characteristics, and utilization of alcohol and drug treatment facilities and services [SAMHSA, USA]
Future Service Directions January 2009
Government Releases Five Year Plan to Deliver Increased Support for Tasmanians Affected by Alcohol and other Drugs. 40-page PDF [Victorian Government, Australia]
2008
Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming welfare for the future December 2008
This White Paper ‘Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming welfare for the future’ sets out how we plan to take our proposals forward as part of our vision for a personalised welfare state, where more support is matched by higher expectations for all [Department for Work and Pensions, UK]
Crack cocaine in the Dublin region October 2008
An evidence base for a crack cocaine strategy. 142-page PDF [HRB, Ireland]
The 2007/08 national survey of investment in mental health services October 2008
This is the sixth annual report presenting the results of the finance mapping exercise carried out as part of the autumn review process. It provides details of the level of investment in adult mental health services in England for 2007/08 and compares it with the reported results in the five previous years. [DoH, UK]
National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy 2008-2011 October 2008
The National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy 2008-2011 (the Strategy) has been developed within the existing legislative framework and focuses on prevention, supply reduction and treatment in a partnership framework [National Drug Strategy, Australia]
Working Together to Reduce Harm October 2008
“Working Together to Reduce Harm” is the Welsh Assembly Government’s new 10 year substance misuse strategy which aims to set out a clear national agenda for tackling and reducing the harms associated with substance misuse in Wales. Full report 89-page PDF and the Implementation plan 16-page PDF [Welsh Assembly Government, UK]
2008 Marijuana Sourcebook [August 2008]
2008 Marijuana Sourcebook contains important data on marijuana in the United States including the latest use patterns and trends, health effects, criminal justice aspects, supply sources, and information regarding so-called “medical marijuana.”. 28-page PDF [Pushing Back, ONDCP, USA]
Submission to the Senate Inquiry Into Ready-To drink [August 2008]
This focus needs to go beyond focussing solely on youth and teenage drinking, but consider broader cultural questions of alcohol consumption across Australian society and its impact in social, economic, and health terms. 8-page PDF [VAADA, Australia]
National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIII: Teens and Parents [August 2008]
the 13th annual back-to-school survey conducted by [The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, USA]
National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 – 2011 [August 2008]
41-page PDF [Council of Australian Governments]
National Offender Management Service agency framework document [July 2008]
NOMS has the twin aims of protecting the public and reducing reoffending. 45-page PDF [Ministry of justice, UK]
Approaches to Alcohol and Drugs in Scotland A Question of Architecture [June 2008]
A systemsmapping approach to how Scotland can reduce the damage to its population through alcohol and drugs by half by 2025. 74-page PDF [Scotland’s Futures Forum, UK]
Approaches to Alcohol and Drugs in Scotland: a Question of Architecture [June 2008]
Alcohol and drug use andmisuse is an immense and highly complex challenge for policymakers in Scotland which can be addressed coherently. 7-page PDF. Executive summary [Scotland’s Futures Forum, UK]
Dimensions of a manageable problem [June 2008]
A collection of expert views. 201-page PDF [Scotland’s Futures Forum, UK] [June 2008]
Integrated Care for Drug or Alcohol Users: Principles and Practice Update 2008
Brings up to date ‘Integrated care for Drug Users’ first published in 2002 [Scottish Government, UK] [June 2008]
Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse: Psychostimulant Project Group Report [June 2008]
Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse report identifying the extent and impact of psychostimulant use in Scotland; making recommendations on how to improve access, range and quality of services available to psychostimulant users [Scottish Government, UK]
Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse – Essential Care Working Group Report [June 2008]
The Essential Care report concluded that recovery should be the main focus of treatment and care for people with problem substance us. The Government accepts all the recommendations in Essential Care and the response outlines how this will be implemented through the new drugs strategy and elsewhere [Scottish Government, UK]
The National Forum on Drug-related Deaths: Annual Report 2007 – The Scottish Government’s Response [June 2008]
The Government’s response to the first Annual Report from the National Forum on Drug-related Deaths outlines activity already being carried out or planned in the Scottish drugs strategy and elsewhere [Scottish Government, UK]
This final report draws together all the strands of work sponsored by the group, including the Essential Care rreport and an update of Integrated Care for Drug Users and makes several recommendations for implementing improvvements in service integration [Scottish Government, UK]
The Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem [June 2008]
The Scottish Government’s new national drugs strategy that focuses on recovery but also looks at prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, education, enforcement and protection of children [Scottish Government, UK]
National corrections drug strategy [May 2008]
The ANCD would like to acknowledge the support of all the adult, juvenile and community corrections Ministers & senior administrators in Australia for their support and approval of this strategy. PDF [ANCD, Australia]
Chemical Reactions [May 2008]
Fumigation: Spreading Coca and Threatening Colombia’s Ecological and Cultural Diversity. 32-page PDF [WOLA]
National Drug Policy 2006-2011: Report on Consultation Feedback [April 2008]
It encompasses views expressed by stakeholders at the thirteen meetings, hui and fono throughout the country, and in the ninety-five written submissions on the Consultation Document [National Drug Policy, New Zealand]
Essential Care [March 2008]
A Report on the Approach Required to Maximise Opportunity for Recovery from Problem Substance Use in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
DPA Report Lays Out National Strategy for Methamphetamine [March 2008]
A new Drug Policy Alliance report, “A Four-Pillars Approach to Methamphetamine: Policies for Effective Drug Prevention, Treatment, Policing and Harm Reduction,” evaluates current state and federal methamphetamine policies and recommends major reforms [DPA, USA]
What Works? Effective Public Health Responses to Drug Use [March 2008]
Through hard experience, we have learned much about the nature of addiction and what works in prevention and treatment. 15-page PDF [ONDCP, USA]
Reducing Drug Use, Reducing Reoffending [March 2008]
Consultations with key stakeholders to inform the UK Drug Policy Commission report. 14-page PDF [UK Drug Policy Commission]
What Research Tells Us About the Reasonableness of the Current Priorities of National Drug Control [2008]
Testimony presented before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy. 17-page PDF [RAND, USA]
National Drugs Strategy 2001 – 2008 [2008]
In developing a new strategy for the next seven years, the Review Group recognised that while much remains to be done, there are encouraging signs of progress in recent years which suggests that the current approach to tackling the drug problem is proving to be effective. 144-page PDF [Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation, Ireland]
2008 National Drug Control Policy [2008]
By addressing the epidemiology of drug use and the economics of drug markets, the National Drug Control Strategy has produced measurable results for the American people. 79-page PDF [White House, USA]
The Swedish action plan on narcotic drugs 2006-2010 [February 2008]
The Swedish action plan on narcotic drugs states that long-term preventive work to achieve a drug-free society must continue. The work at local level is crucial to achieving successful results. At the same time cooperation within the EU and internationally must increase, as almost all illegal drugs consumed come from outside Sweden. Children, young people and parents will be given special priority as target groups in the coming years [Government Offices of Sweden]
‘Drugs: protecting families and communities’ – 2008-2018 strategy [2008]
The drug strategy aims to restrict the supply of illegal drugs and reduce the demand for them. It focuses on protecting families and strengthening communities. 68-page PDF [Home Office, UK]
‘Drugs: protecting families and communities’ Action plan 2008-2011 [2008]
The drug strategy covers a ten-year period to 2018, but its delivery is underpinned by a series of three-year action plans. 32-page PDF [Home Office, UK]
Rehabilitation Required [2008]
Russia’s Human Rights Obligation to Provide Evidence-based Drug Dependence Treatment [Human Rights Watch]
Pre 2008
Monograh #15 Priority areas in illicit drug policy: Perspectives of policy makers [March 2007]
This project set out to identify the priority areas in illicit drugs from the perspective of government policy makers. The impetus for the work was the second stage of the Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP), a research program aimed at improving the evidence-base for Australian drug policy. The identification of priority areas can inform the DPMP workplan for the next five years. Whilst the project had this overt purpose, the findings are also useful for a number of audiences other than the DPMP research team. It will be of interest to funding bodies and committees that consider illicit drug policy – to review the extent of concordance between the priorities raised here by bureaucrats and those of their own funding body or committee. It is also rich fodder for those seeking a relevant research topic – it will hopefully engage and excite a researcher or new student to pick up a drug-related research area. Finally, it provides a snapshot of the state of play as at 2006 – hopefully in a few years time we will be able to tick off some of the areas, assess progress on relevant research, or review the extent to which priorities have changed over time.
The Market for Amphetamine-type Stimulants and Their Precursors in Oceania
This study examines the market for amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in Oceania including Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, and the involvement of criminal organisations in that market. 149-page PDF
National Drug Threat Assessment 2008
89-page PDF [United States Department of Justice]
The winnable war on drugs: The impact of illicit drug use on families
The Family and Human Services Committee tabled its report on the inquiry into the impact of illicit drug use on families entitled The winnable war on drugs [Parliament of Australian]
Cannabis in Australia – Use, supply, harms and responses
This monograph was written to provide an overview of the cannabis situation in Australia at the present time, including patterns of use, supply, harms and legislation. 475KB PDF [Drug Strategy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
National Drug Policy 2007-2012
The key goal of the National Drug Policy is to minimise the social, economic and health harms of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs [Ministry of Health, New Zealand]
National Development Plan 2007-2013. Transforming Ireland: A Better Quality of Life for All
Some €319 million will be available over the period of the Plan under the National Drugs Strategy Sub-Programme to continue the fight against the causes and consequences of the abuse of illegal drugs. 265-page PDF [Government publicatioon, Ireland]
Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland – Phase I
Hepatitis C Action Plan for the period September 2006 – August 2008 [Scottish Executive, UK]
Director’s Report to the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse – February, 2007
[NIDA, USA]
National Drug Control Strategy
FY 2007 Budget Summary [ONDCP, USA]
National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009
The National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009, has been developed within the existing legislative framework and focuses on prevention, supply reduction and treatment in a partnership framework PDF [Australian Government]
The Drug Situation Report 2006 provides a strategic overview of the illicit drug trade in Canada. This year, the Report features two new sections: Drug-generated Proceeds and Emerging Trends [Royal Canadian Mounted Police]
2007 National Report (2006 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point
The structure and content of this annual report are pre-determined by the EMCDDA to facilitate comparison with similar reports produced by the other European Focal Points.. 246-page PDF [UK Focal Point on Drugs – Department of Health]
Monograph # 13 Scoping the potential uses of systems thinking in developing policy on illicit drugs [December 2005]
This monograph (No. 13) summarises pilot work to scope the potential uses of systems thinking for developing illicit drug policy. Systems approaches have the potential to offer much to drug policy analysis through their use of participatory methods, capacity to deal with multiple simultaneous policy options, and appreciation of the complexity, interconnectedness and dynamic feedback loops associated with policy decisions. The monograph outlines six systems approaches used by the New Zealand team in exploring illicit drug policy. The results of in-depth interviews with five experienced policy makers and a demonstration project around a policy issue are described. The potential utility of systems approaches in illicit drug policy are demonstrated.
Monograph #12 Popular culture and the prevention of illicit drug use: A pilot study of popular music and the acceptability of drugs [December 2005]
This Monograph (No. 12) describes the work of the team at ANU in exploring the relationship between popular music and drug use. Popular culture has significant potential to influence drug prevention efforts. Popular culture represents and can create the norms and cultural milieu that can either encourage or discourage drug use. To date, there has been little systematic endeavour to study the relationships between popular culture and the milieu it creates around drugs. This pilot study concentrated on one aspect of popular culture – music. The team interviewed a small group of young people and people from the music industry to begin to explore the complex set of potential associations between music and drug use.
Monograph # 4 Australian illicit drugs policy: Mapping structures and processes [December 2005]
This Monograph (No. 04) focuses on the policy making process. To achieve our overarching goal of improving illicit drugs policy activity in Australia, we need to improve the evidence base used by policy makers and to facilitate their use of it. Our limited understanding of how policies are made is one of the barriers to providing good decision support resources and processes. In this feasibility research, the ANU team trialed three approaches that are standard in political science but little used in illicit drugs research: 1) structural and institutional analysis; 2) reputational influence mapping; and 3) interviews with influential policy makers and researchers.
Monograph # 2 Drug policy interventions: A comprehensive list and a review of classification schemes [December 2005]
This Monograph (No. 02) provides a comprehensive list of drug policy interventions. The authors identify a total of 107 different drug policy interventions, whilst also noting that some interventions may still be missing, and that others may describe and document drug policy interventions with different terms. With such an undifferentiated and long list of drug policy interventions, the issue of the ways in which these interventions are then coded and classified is also addressed. Ten different taxonomies (classification schemes) are reviewed and conclusions drawn in relation to which taxonomies prove useful in describing the array of drug policy interventions.
Monograph # 1 What is Australia’s “drug budget”? The policy mix of illicit drug-related government spending in Australia [December 2005]
This Monograph (No 01), the first in the series, outlines work by Tim Moore to establish estimates of government spending for the year 2002/03. This is not a social cost (or burden of illness) study but an examination of how much governments (federal, state and territory) spend on responses to illicit drugs. Two types of spending have been identified: spending on direct policy actions (such as drug treatment, or policing drug offences) and spending on the indirect or consequential aspects of illicit drug use (such as ambulance attendance at overdose). The former are referred to as ‘proactive’ spending; the latter as ‘reactive spending’. Proactive spending, the direct actions of government in relation to drug policy, are broken down by type of intervention: prevention, treatment, harm reduction, law enforcement and interdiction. The total estimate for proactive illicit drug spending is $1.3 billion for 2002/03. Law enforcement represents 42% and interdiction 14%, together comprising the majority of spending. Prevention represents 23% and treatment 17%. Sensitivity analyses reveal large plausible ranges for some of the figures.
Assessing U.S. Drug Problems and Policy
A Synthesis of the Evidence to Date
Research brief RB-9110-DPRC, 2005 RAND
Beckley Briefing Paper 14. ‘The Effects of Decriminalisation of Drug Use in Portugal’
In 2004, the Beckley Foundation reported on the legal changes that took place in Portugal in 2001, which effectively decriminalised the possession and use of all drugs, and diverted those arrested into education or treatment programmes (Allen, Trace, & Klein, 2004). This report aims to provide an updated overview of the effects of these changes. 10-page PDF [IDPC]
The Economics of Effective AIDS Treatment
Evaluating Policy Options for Thailand [World Bank]
This report provides an overview of the production and consumption of AOSD in Australia and discusses the extent to which organised crime is involved in manufacture and distribution. It examines the National Drug Strategy, reviews its main aims and effectiveness, and provides a brief overview of the key policy and research bodies that oversee and have input into the policy [Australian Policy Online]
U.S. Assistance Has Helped Mexican Counternarcotics Efforts, but the Flow of Illicit Drugs into the United States Remains High. 29-page PDF [GAO, USA]
U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan
Compiled by the Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, Ambassador Thomas A. Schweich, U.S. Department of State
EMCDDA publishes Country situation summaries for 28 countries
Country situation summaries provide a quick, structured overview of the trends and characteristics of national drug problems [EMCDDA]
London: The highs and the lows 2
A 198-page PDF report from the [Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Greater London Authority, UK]
London: The highs and the lows 2 – Executive summary
A 12-page PDF report from the [Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Greater London Authority, UK]
The Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs National Drug Strategic Framework 2004-05
This is the sixth annual report on Australian, state and territory governments’ progress under the [National Drug Strategy, Australia]
Treating Doctors as Drug Dealers: The DEA’s War on Prescription Painkiller
The media began reporting that the popular narcotic pain medication OxyContin was finding its way to the black market for illicit drugs, resulting in an outbreak of related crime, overdoses, and deaths. Though many of those reports proved to be exaggerated or unfounded, critics in Congress and the Department of Justice scolded the U.S.Drug Enforcement Administration for the alleged pervasiveness of OxyContin abuse. The DEA responded with an aggressive plan to eradicate the illegal use or “diversion” of OxyContin. The plan uses familiar law enforcemet methods from the War on Drugs, such as aggressive undercover investigation, asset forfeiture, and informers
Policy Analysis no. 545 CATO Institute 2005
Coca or Death? Cocalero Movements in Peru and Bolivia
Following Bolivia’s 2002 parliamentary elections, the success of the political party headed by cocalero leader Evo Morales, rekindled debate regarding cocaleroorganisations in the Andes and their vindications. Disinformation around these organisations has contributed to a rise in terms like narcoguerrilleros and narcoterroristas, etc. being applied to the various cocalero peasant movements
TNI Drugs & Conflict Debate Papers 10, April 2004 [Transnational Institute]
An Analysis of UK Drug Policy (executive summary PDF 93KB)
Commissioned from international experts to inform UKDPC’s work programme, the report brings together evidence on the effectiveness of drug policies throughout the UK [UKDPC]
An Analysis of UK Drug Policy (full report PDF 1.6MB)
Commissioned from international experts to inform UKDPC’s work programme, the report brings together evidence on the effectiveness of drug policies throughout the UK [UKDPC]
National Drug Control Strategy
FY 2007 Budget Summary [ONDCP, USA]
A Fresh Approach to Drugs Policy
A 23-page PDF Policy Brief from the [Bow Group, UK]
Update onDrug Policy issues in Bolivia
WOLA and the Andean Information Network (AIN) provide a November 2006 update on counternarcotics policy in Bolivia. 8-page PDF [WOLA]
Russia International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
In 2004, the Government of Russia (GOR) intensified its counternarcotics efforts. President Vladimir Putin and other leaders frequently highlight the drug trade as a threat to Russia’s national security in their public remarks. The State Committee for the Control of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (GKPN), which had been created in 2003, was reorganized and renamed the Federal Drug Control Service (FSKN)…
Published by the State Department’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), March 2005
Plan Colombia’s Drug Eradication Program Misses the Mark
If reducing drug use at home and fighting terrorists abroad are vital U.S. interests in the Americas, our current policy in Colombia is failing
[Americas Programme. Adam Isacson and John Myers. July 18, 2005]
Evaluating U.S. Policy in Colombia
In recent years, U.S. interests and goals in Colombia have covered a broad range of areas: counter-narcotics; counterinsurgency and counterterrorism; peace and regional stability; democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; and socio-economic development and humanitarian needs. What is less clear is whether current U.S. policies further these objectives. A full evaluation must take into account both the intended and unintended consequences of our policies
Virginia M. Bouvier. A Policy Report from the IRC Americas Program.May 11, 2005.
Drugs finance the left-wing insurgent Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the far-right United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) to a large degree, and thus are an integral part of Colombia’s conflict. But while the state must confront drug trafficking forcefully, President Alvaro Uribe’s claim that the conflict pits a democracy against merely “narco-terrorists” who must be met by all-out war does not do justice to the complexity of the decades-old struggle. Fighting drugs and drug trafficking is a necessary but not sufficient condition for moving Colombia toward peace. The view that anti-drug and anti-insurgency policies are indistinguishable reduces the chances either will succeed and hinders the search for a sustainable peace
International Crisis Group. Latin American Report N°11 27 January 2005
Despite the progress made by the three nonmilitary assistance programs, Colombia and the United States continue to face long-standing management and financial challenges.
[U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO). July 2004]
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Budget Justification
Fiscal Year 2004
[US Department of State]
The War on Drugs, HIV/AIDS, and Violations of Human Rights
A violent state-sponsored “war on drugs” is jeopardizing Thailand’s long struggle to become one of Southeast Asia’s leading rights-respecting democracies. Officially launched in February 2003, the government crackdown has resulted in the unexplained killing of more than 2,000 persons, the arbitrary arrest or blacklisting of several thousand more, and the endorsement of extreme violence by government officials at the highest levels
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: C1608 July 8, 2004
How the Drug War in Afghanistan Undermines America’s War on Terror
There is a growing tension between two U.S. objectives in Afghanistan. The most important objective is—or at least should be—the eradication of the remaining Al Qaeda and Taliban forces in that country. But the United States and its coalition partners are now also emphasizing the eradication of Afghanistan’s drug trade. These antidrug efforts may fatally undermine the far more important anti-terrorism campaign
Ted Galen Carpenter, vice president for defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute CATO Institute November 10, 2004 Foreign Policy Briefing no. 84
Pointless War Drugs and Violence in Brazil
In this issue of Drugs & Conflict, the background to the drugs-related violence in the North-East marijuana cultivation area, as well as in the favelas in Rio, is described. The new drug law that is being evaluated in Congress is also reviewed. Although the new law is a step forward for making a clear distinction between a trafficker and a user, the question remains whether that will effectively address the problem give the limited scope of the new law
TNI Drugs & Conflict Debate Paper 11, November 2004 [Transnational Institute]
Drugs and Democracy in Latin America: The Impact of U.S. Policy
The United States has been fighting the war on drugs for decades, across the nation and throughout the hemisphere. Police officers, prosecutors, doctors, social workers, soldiers, counselors and countless others have invested their energy and expertise—and have even risked their lives—to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse. Their efforts are impressive and appreciated. Twenty-five years and 25 billion dollars later, however, we are no closer to solving the problem—that is, to reducing drug abuse and availability in the United States. In fact, we seem to be farther away than ever
Coletta A. Youngers and Eileen Rosin, Editors A WOLA special report 2004
The AFP Drug Harm Index was developed to provide a single measure that encapsulates the potential value to the Australian community of AFP drug seizures. The index represents the dollar value of harm that would have ensued had the seized drugs reached the community. In the five years from 1998-99 to 2002-2003, the AFP and its partners saved the Australian community approximately $3.1 billion in harm through its disruption of illicit drug importations. Because the Harm Index is based on the benefits associated with an estimated reduction in consumption, it can be generalised to measuring the benefits of other drug interventions
Australian Federal Police Research Note 5 2004. ISSN 1447-9621
Is the Addiction Concept Useful for Drug Policy?
The development of behavioral economics, with its prospect of integrating insights from economics and psychology, is surely one of the most exciting intellectual developments in the social and behavioral sciences in the past 20 years. And if any domain could benefit from this development, it would seem to be the domain of psychoactive drug use, where choices are so often pathological. Thus, one can imagine my surprise and dismay when I was asked to prepare an essay on new policy insights that might follow from the leading behavioral economic theories of addiction1, and I discovered that there weren’t any. Or at least, hardly any
Robert J. MacCoun Center for the Study of Law and Society Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program. JSP/Center for the Study of Law and Society Faculty Working Papers. Paper 8 January 1, 2003
Race & the War on Drugs Position Paper
American Civil Liberties Union October 17, 2003
Ravaging the Vulnerable: Abuses Against Persons at High Risk of HIV Infection in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is stoking an emerging AIDS epidemic with violent police abuse of sex workers, injection drug users and men who have sex with men
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: C1506 August 20, 2003
Abusing the User: Police Misconduct, Harm Reduction and HIV/AIDS in Vancouver
An anti-drug crackdown by the Vancouver Police Department has driven injection drug users away from life-saving HIV prevention services, raising fears of a new wave of HIV transmission in the city that is already home to the worst AIDS crisis in the developed world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: 1502B May 7, 2003
Collateral Consequences of the War on Drugs
This 4 pp. brochure outlines some of the collateral consequences of U.S. drug policy: the Higher Education Act, Public Housing, Felony Disenfranchisement, and the Welfare Reform Act
American Civil Liberties Union 01/27/2003
The Dynamic Character of Drug Problems
This paper makes three points. (1) Drug-related measures, such as the number of users, have changed rapidly over time, suggesting that they are not merely symptoms of underlying trends in the economy, demographics, or other aggregates that change more slowly. (2) Drug markets are subject to a wide range of feedback effects that can induce non-linearity into dynamic behavior. (3) There are at least five classes of epidemic models that reflect such non-linear dynamic behavior. Some of those classes tend to be optimistic about the ability of drug control interventions to reduce use; others are pessimistic. It is hoped that this discussion and, in particular, the typology, can inform and elevate the debate about drug policy, but it is unlikely to resolve that debate because of the inability to demonstrate empirically which class(es) are most accurate
Jonathan P. Caulkins Carnegie Mellon, Heinz School 2002-13, Jan 2002
The War on Drugs and Its Impact on American Society. 33-page PDF [The Sentencing Project, USA]
Thirteenth Report. 182-page PDF [Defence Select Committee, Parliament, UK]
Drug classification: making a hash of it?
The Government publishes its reply to each of the Committee’s findings and concludes that the classification system discharges its function fully and effectively and has stood the test of time. 25-page PDF [Home Office, UK]
The Evidence Base for the Classification of Drugs
This report, prepared by the RAND Corporation for the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology in the United Kingdom, presents the results of four case studies examining the evidence base for the classification of illegal drugs in the context of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act [RAND, USA]
National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XI: Teens and Parents
One-third of teens and nearly half of 17-year olds attend house parties where parents are present and teens are drinking, smoking marijuana or using cocaine, Ecstasy or prescription drugs. 73-page PDF [CASA, USA]
We believe that U.S. drug policy in Latin America has been ineffective at achieving its own goals and has generated much collateral damage [WOLA, USA]
Losing Ground – Drug Control and War in Afghanistan
Drugs and Conflict Debate papers No. 15 [TNI]
Drug classification: making a hash of it?
179-page PDF [House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, UK]
Preventing harm from psychoactive substance use
Recommendations fall under five key prevention priorities: reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors across the life course, community centred prevention, addressing impacts on communities, legislative and public policy change and regulated markets. 98-page PDF [City of Vancouver Drug Policy Program, Canada]
5 INL Regional and Country Programs
The Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) works with law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, border security officials, financial intelligence units, anticorruption units, narcotics control units, economic development organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other counterparts to reinforce partner governments’ efforts to promote the rule of law and successfully meet the demands of the 21st Century. INL’s programs are tailored to bolster capacities of partner countries around the globe through multilateral, regional, and country-specific programs
[US Department of State]
The Demand for Intoxicating Commodities: Implications for the “War on Drugs”
The best that can be said about the war on drugs (from the 0pint of view of those who run and support it) is that while it will fail, its failure may not be evident. For quite unrelated reasons, demand within the United States for some drugs, especially cocaine and cocaine derivatives, seems to be declining (Bachman et al., 1988, 1990). Since that de cline coincides with rhetoric about the Drug War, apologists for that war will claim credit for the change, suggesting to us that the war Is being won. In this article, we aim to show why such claims are absurd and concentrate Instead upon the most neglected aspect of illicit psychotropic drug use – the demand for drugs. Pat O’Malley and Stephen Mugford PAT O’Malley is the director of the National Center for Socio-Legal Studies. La Trobe University, Bundorra Victoria, Australia 3083. STEPHEN MUGFORD Is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology. Faculty of Arts. Australian National University, Oho Box 4, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia 2003
Cross Purposes Alternative Development and Conflict in Colombia
One of the greatest challenges in Colombia today is how to meet alternative development objectives in the midst of war. “Alternative development” refers in this context to the creation of alternative livelihoods for illicit crop farmers
Drugs & Conflict Debate Paper 7, June 2003 [Transnational Institute]
Drugs and Conflict in Burma (Myanmar) Dilemmas for Policy Responses
Burma is on the brink of yet another humanitarian crisis. In the Kokang region, an opium ban was enforced last year, and by mid-2005 no more poppy growing will be allowed in the Wa region. Banning opium from these regions in Shan State adds another chapter to the long and dramatic history of drugs, conflict and human suffering in the country
Drugs & Conflict Debate Paper 9, December 2003 [Transnational Institute]
Model of Chaotic Drug Markets and Their Control
Drug markets are often described informally as being chaotic, and there is a tendency to believe that control efforts can make things worse, not better, at least in some circumstances. This paper explores the idea that such statements might be literally true in a mathematical sense by considering a discrete-time model of populations of drug users and drug sellers for which initiation into either population is a function of relative numbers of both populations
Doris A. Behrens, Jonathan P. Caulkins, Gustav Feichtinger Carnegie Mellon, Heinz School 2002-8, Jul 2002
ANCD research paper 5—Drug policy: the Australian approach
84 pages Australian National Council on Drugs
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004: Changes and Challenges
Published by Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care June 2000 PDF available on this page
Counterterror and Counterdrug policies: Comparisons and Contrasts
The problem of preventing repetitions of the September 11th incidents has begun to be called “the war on terror.” This suggests analogies to the “war on drugs,” and there have been attempts to use these comparisons to draw conclusions about the appropriate shape and likely success of the anti-terrorism campaigns (e.g., Massing, 2001). This essay identifies similarities and differences between the two campaigns
Jonathan P. Caulkins, Mark A. R. Kleiman, Peter Reuter Carnegie Mellon, Heinz School 2002-15, Mar 2002 Jeff Desimone Economic Inquiry Vol. 39, No. 4, October 2001, 627-643
An Assessment of U.S. Drug Problems and Policy [RAND, USA]
This first issue is devoted to the controversies that have arisen around Plan Colombia. It is released at this particular moment to inform discussions on supporting the peace process in Colombia around the third round of the international donor conference in Brussels
Drugs & Conflict Debate Paper 1, April 2001 [Transnational Institute]
Interdiction and Incarceration Still Top Remedies
The nation’s drug war is viewed as a failure by most Americans, and there is scant hope it will ever succeed. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say we are losing the drug war, and just as many say that insatiable demand will perpetuate the nation’s drug habit. Yet this deep sense of futility has not generated more momentum for alternative anti-drug strategies, like establishing more treatment programs for drug users or decriminalizing the use of some drugs
Pew Research Center March 21, 2001
Interdiction and Incarceration Still Top Remedies
he nation’s drug war is viewed as a failure by most Americans, and there is scant hope it will ever succeed. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say we are losing the drug war, and just as many say that insatiable demand will perpetuate the nation’s drug habit. Yet this deep sense of futility has not generated more momentum for alternative anti-drug strategies, like establishing more treatment programs for drug users or decriminalizing the use of some drugs
Pew Research Center 2001
Is the American drug policy the only possible one that would comply with international drug law ? The point here, is not to describe in details what is the American drug policy. It is enough to state that it is a repressive policy, and even an increasing repressive policy. This simple statement is in opposition with another way of dealing with the use of drugs: the “legalization policy”. The question is then: is it possible to legalize drugs within the frame of the current International Conventions on Drugs ?
ChristopheMarchand, Member of the Brussels’s Bar 2000
Drugs: dilemmas, choices and the law
Use of illegal drugs is increasingly common, yet there has been little serious discussion of the underlying causes, or whether existing prevention policies are effective. This summary brings together findings from two inquiries that received support from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and which were designed to consider how UK drugs policy should move forward
Joseph Rowntree Foundation November 2000 – Ref N70
DRUGS AND THE LAW: Report into the Independent Inquiry into the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
It is nearly 30 years since the main legislation controlling the misuse of drugs in the United Kingdom was enacted. Our task has been to consider the changes which have taken place in our society in that time and to assess whether the law as it currently stands needs to be revised in order to make it both more effective and more responsive to those changes. It has also been our duty to examine the implications of our proposals.
Published by The Police Foundation March 2000, ISBN 0-947692-47-9
The American Drug War: Anatomy of a Futile and Costly Police Action
Our story has two parts. One is about the futility of suppressing the fourth and fifth drives. Public policies that try to frustrate strong motives of consumers and motives of suppliers are frequently overwhelmed like a sand castle by the incoming tide. The other is about why agents who allegedly represent the public’s interests insist on building these doomed sand castles
Bruce L. Benson, David W. Rasmussen The Independent Institute July 10, 2000
Punishment and Prejudice: Racial Disparities in the War on Drugs. USA
Since the mid 1980s, the United States has undertaken aggressive law enforcement strategies and criminal justice policies aimed at curtailing drug abuse. The costs and benefits of this national war on drugs are fiercely debated. What is not debatable, however, is its impact on black Americans. Ostensibly color blind, the war on drugs has been waged disproportionately against black Americans
Human Right Watch 2000 Vol. 12, No. 2 (G)
Predatory Public Finance and the Origins of the War on Drugs 1984 –1989
Escalation of the war on drugs, when measured by drug arrests relative to Index I arrests, apparently ended in 1989. In the United States the drug arrest/Index I arrest ratio fell from 0.46 in 1989 to a 1990 figure of 0.36, a decline of 24 percent. This decline in drug enforcement is not inconsistent with bureaucratic incentives, however, including those created by asset forfeiture legislation. Police may simply be arresting “smarter,” for example, concentrating on drug offenders with some potential yield via forfeiture
Bruce L. Benson, David W. Rasmussen The Independent Institute 1996
Keeping Score: The Frailties of the Federal Drug Budget
Total federal government expenditures for antidrug activities have become a centerpiece in the national debate on drug policy … Given the prominent role that federal budget figures have come to play in the policy debate, it is noteworthy that few have paid any attention to their origins. Patrick Murphy, issue paper, IP-138, 1994 RAND
Declaring an Armistice in the International Drug War
There is increasing speculation that the Clinton administration may be willing to reconsider some components of Washington’s sacrosanct war on drugs. Prominent drug warriors are certainly worried about that possibility. Former drug czar William Bennett has already condemned the president for failing to take the crusade against illicit drugs seriously. New York Times columnist A. M. Rosenthal goes even further, warning that “the concept of a war against drugs is in danger of being dismantled,” resulting in “creeping legalization.”
Ted Galen Carpenter Foreign Policy Briefing no. 26 CATO Institute 1993