Policy Episodes

Drug policy refers to the laws, regulations, and guidelines established by governments to control the production, distribution, and consumption of drugs, particularly those classified as illegal or harmful to public health. In the UK, drug policy is primarily framed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which classifies drugs into three categories (Class A, B, and C) based on their perceived harm. The policy includes approaches that range from criminal justice interventions to public health strategies aimed at reducing harm and providing support for addiction recovery.

Historically, drug policy in the UK has been controversial due to its reliance on punitive measures, criminalisation, and limited investment in treatment services. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards a more health-centred approach, which seeks to address drug misuse as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal one. The role of Dame Carol Black is significant in shaping the conversation and reform efforts related to drug policy in the UK.

Dame Carol Black's Role and Review of Drug Policy

Dame Carol Black, a prominent British academic and expert in public health, has had a profound impact on the recent evolution of drug policy in the UK. She was commissioned by the government in 2019 to conduct an independent review of drugs and to provide recommendations for reforming the national drug strategy. Her review, delivered in two parts, emphasised the need for a holistic and health-oriented approach to tackling the UK’s drug problem, rather than relying primarily on enforcement and criminalisation.

Dame Carol Black’s review highlighted the scale of the drug crisis in the UK, particularly the rise in drug-related deaths and the significant increase in the availability and purity of illicit drugs. According to the report, the UK has one of the highest rates of drug-related deaths in Europe, with deaths linked to drug misuse at an all-time high in England and Wales. Black’s review called for urgent and comprehensive intervention, focusing not only on enforcement but also on prevention, treatment, and recovery.

A major theme of the review was the underfunding of treatment services over the last decade. Dame Carol Black pointed out that significant cuts in funding to drug treatment services had left them unable to cope with demand. This underfunding affected not only the availability of treatment but also its quality, leading to high caseloads, staff shortages, and reduced access to support for those struggling with addiction. The review recommended a substantial increase in funding for drug treatment services, arguing that for every £1 invested in treatment, society saves £4.