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Drugs

A drug can be defined as "any substance taken into the body which change the way you feel". This definition would therefore include: alcohol, tobacco, over the counter medicines, solvents, prescribed and illegal drugs.

The link between problematic drug use and crime has long been recognized for example:

• 50% of all assaults are committed whilst the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol
• 51% of those arrested for trigger offences - those that lead to Mandatory Drug Testing - subsequently test positive for illegal drugs
• Around two thirds of prisoners used illegal drugs in the year before imprisonment
• Home Office research on domestic violence offenders showed 73% had used alcohol prior to the offence, and 48% of them were considered as "alcohol dependent".

However substance misuse is not just restricted to those who commit offences but has an impact on the community as a whole.

• It is estimated to be costing employers £800 million a year - ISDD 1998
• 25% of people seeking treatment are employed - Wise up on drugs - Fast Forward
• 70% of all people visiting A&E do so due to drug or alcohol related issues
• 25% of all workplace accidents are alcohol related - ISDD 1998

Links

• London Drugs Policy Forum
  Body that assists, supports and advises policy makers on drug issues affecting the capital to promote good practice on education and prevention, community safety and improving services for drug users.
  http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ldpf

• London Drugs and Alcohol Network
  LDAN provides independent support and advice to it member agencies whilst seeking to influence policy and decision makers
  www.ldan.org.uk/
  
  
• FRANK
  Information on different types of drugs and an advice line.
  www.talktofrank.com/

• Daily Dose
  Daily Dose is an online worldwide drug and alcohol news service.
  You can subscribe to receive either daily or weekly news alerts.
  www.dailydose.net/about-us

Downloads

• 'Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities' - 2008-2018 Strategy
  This national drugs strategy, developed by the Home Office (Tackling Drugs Changing Lives) supersedes the 2002 strategy. It sets out a range of policies and interventions and aims to reduce the harm that drugs cause to society, to communities, individuals and their families.
  drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication
  
  
• The Metropolitan Police Service Drugs Strategy 2007-10
  Developed to provide clear direction on how the police service in London intends to deliver its responsibility for tackling the problem of illicit drugs in the capital.
  www.met.police.uk/
  
  
• Strategy 2002
  This national strategy sets out a range of policies and interventions which concentrate on the most dangerous drugs, the most damaged communities and the individuals whose addiction and chaotic lifestyles are most harmful, both to themselves and others.
  www.drugs.gov.uk/
  
  
• Tackling Drugs Changing Lives
  This Cross-Government report summarises the progress made to date on the governments drug strategy (above) and future planned action.
  www.drugs.gov.uk/
  
  
• Turning Strategy into Reality - Drugs Strategy Facts Booklet
  Read the facts and figures, and learn about the achievements and progress made implementing the drug strategy.
  www.drugs.gov.uk/  
  
  
• National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Public Health Intervention Guidance
  Community-based interventions to reduce substance misuse among vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people
  www.nice.org.uk/