UK Home Affairs Select Committee report on illicit drugs

'UK Home Affairs Select Committee report on illicit drugs' image

On 10 December 2012 the UK Home Affairs Select Committee published its report on the illicit drugs issue.1 It was the first such parliamentary review of drug policy as a whole since 2002. It reveals a shift in opinion among some key policy makers, away from an enforcement-led strategy towards a more nuanced drug policy. The key recommendations are listed below

 

Drug education in schools
'The evidence suggests that early intervention should be an integral part of any policy which is to be effective in breaking the cycle of drug dependency. We recommend that the next version of the drugs strategy contain a clear commitment to an effective drugs education and prevention programme, including behaviour-based interventions.' (para. 75)

Residential rehabilitation treatment
'Different treatment régimes will work for different patients. It is clear that, for some people, residential rehabilitation is the most effective treatment, backed by proper aftercare in the community. We recommend that the Government expand the provision of residential rehabilitation places. In addition, we recommend the Government review the guidance for referrals to residential rehabilitation so that inappropriate referrals are minimised.' (para. 94)

'Outcomes which range from 60% of patients overcoming their dependence to just 20% suggest that the quality of provision is very variable. We recommend that, in line with the publication of certain outcome statistics for National Health Service providers, publicly-funded residential rehabilitation providers should be required to publish detailed outcome statistics so that patients and clinicians can make better-informed choices of provider.'

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