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UK Drug Policy

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The Politics of Drugs

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Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the development of UK drugs policy since the MDA 1971. After noting changes in the social context, three phases are identified: the turn to harm reduction; the drugs-crime agenda; and the move to recovery. Continuities and changes are noted in the perception of the ‘problem’ (HIV/AIDS, acquisitive crime and welfare dependence) and solutions proposed (expansion of treatment, partnership, localism and recovery). Current issues are highlighted including the effects of stop and search, imprisonment and the impact of austerity budgets.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

    Susanne MacGregor

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  1. Susanne MacGregor
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Correspondence to Susanne MacGregor .

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MacGregor, S. (2017). UK Drug Policy. In: The Politics of Drugs. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49682-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49682-9_2

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-49681-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-49682-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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