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UK publishes first review of its' recovery oriented Drug Strategy
This review highlights the progress so far of the UK's recovery oriented strategy. The review considers recovery, supply, demand and psychoactive substances.
Foreward by Rt Hon Theresa May, Home Secretary
In December 2010 we launched our new Drug Strategy. We committed to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, to reduce their supply and, most importantly, to put recovery at the heart of our efforts. The new strategy signalled a fundamental shift in the approach to drug treatment, with the aspiration that all who need it should be helped to lead drug-free lives. Now, more than one year on, this document reviews our progress in meeting these commitments and sets out our priorities for the next 12 months.
The treatment system has been improved. Treatment is now focused on the ultimate aim of achieving recovery free of dependence, enabling people to participate fully in society. This reintegration relies not only on effective treatment, but also on tackling wider health issues, housing and employment.
Restricting the supply of drugs remains central to our strategy. We are refocusing the Border Force on its primary remit of securing our borders, including from drug trafficking. We are introducing a new National Crime Agency, which will focus on tackling the organised criminals who seek to profit from the misery of others.
Tackling the demand for drugs is essential, especially from young people. Overall drug use is continuing to fall, but New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), sometimes called “legal highs”, are an increasing priority. We have responded strongly through the introduction of legislation and rapid information networks to identify the emergence of new substances. We are now able to identify new drugs and ban them within days rather than months where they are proven to cause harm. All of this work represents good progress but more still needs to be done.
We are determined to protect the public from the harms that drugs can cause to individuals, their families and society as a whole by reducing demand, restricting supply and supporting individuals to lead lives free of dependence.
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