If we are really heading into a deep recession, with high rates of unemployment and increased poverty on the year to 18 month horizon for some of Britain's most vulnerable communities, what will this mean in terms of drug use and our responses? Can we do anything to tackle the problems *before* they happen this time round?

Tags: recession, employment

If Julian Critchley is right and the tragedy of British drug policy is that it is "dictated by tabloid irrationality", why haven't people in positions of influence done anything about it? And what should drive policy anyway? If we believe "The Thick of It" its a mixture of political expedience, quick thinking and a lack of any discernible conviction whatsoever. If we believe Yes Minister, its a matter of what remains after the civil service and the politicians have outsmarted each other.

Tags: Drug Strategy

(Cartoon courtesy of Hugh MacLeod and Gaping Void )

Despite the fact that we have a new drug strategy with a renewed focus on joined up local working, we don't really have a structure either locally or nationally that's fit to deliver it. If the ambitions of the new drug strategy - particularly those around employment, housing and reintegration are to be met, we need to learn from our own history and look at how we can strengthen and re-establish our approach to partnerships such that they're up to delivery. Any new structures or frameworks will need to avoid the pitfalls of the past - and put the people directly affected by substance use in the driving seat.

Tags: DaTs, Drug Strategy