The Home Office has opened consultation on the new drugs strategy to be published later this year. Though focused on illegal drugs, the consultation asks for views in respect of alcohol, especially where a 'joint approach is appropriate, particularly around prevention, treatment and recovery'. Questions are asked around four key themes:
- Department for Education: preventing drug (and alcohol) use
- Home Office and Ministry of Justice: strengthening enforcement, criminal justice and legal framework
- Department of Health: rebalancing treatment to support drug-free outcomes
- Department for Work and Pensions: supporting recovery to break the cycle of drug addiction
The document states "The overall focus and scope of the strategy will be all illegal drugs. However, for those activities where a joint drugs and alcohol approach is appropriate, this is recognised, particularly in the areas of prevention, treatment and recovery."
Further alcohol policy is expected to be outlined within the forthcoming Public Health White Paper, due this autumn. Current consultation is also underway on alcohol taxation and pricing and the licensing regime.
You can respond to the drugs strategy consultation by filling in the online form. You can also read the full consultation document and respond via email or post.
Closing date: 30 Sep 2010
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