NCJ Number
226595
Journal
Criminology and Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 461-482
Date Published
November 2008
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the effectiveness of efforts to reduce drug markets and dependence and how these have affected crime in Britain.
Abstract
Despite the longstanding political prominence of the drug problems in the United Kingdom, with relatively coherent strategies compared to the United States and substantial public investment, the United Kingdom is at the top of the European ladder for drug use and dependence. This was not a consequence of one short epidemic burst, but rather the result of a steady worsening in the last quarter of the 20th century. Over this timeframe, the British drug problem worsened, despite the implementation of a variety of approaches, and commitment of substantial criminal justice and other resources. The drug problem does not seem to have worsened since 2000 with the increase in treatment resources from the criminal justice system. There are consistent indicators that drug use has declined in the general population and that the prevalence of dependence on heroin and cocaine may have stabilized. Results suggest that drug policy might reduce the crime problems of the United Kingdom through two channels: reducing the number of regular users of crack and heroin (other drugs being relatively minor contributors to criminality in Britain) or lowering the criminal activities of those who are frequent users of crack and cocaine. There is little evidence that a drug policy could influence the number of drug users or the share of users who are dependent. There is no research showing that any of the tougher enforcement, more prevention, or increased treatment has substantially reduced the number of users or addicts in a nation. There are numerous other cultural and social factors that appear to be much more important. Figures, notes, and references