Reducing drug use by young people

Drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (particularly temazepam, nimetazepam, and flunitrazepam), cocaine, methaqualone, and opioids. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction. Building on this success, the Government has recently renewed its efforts to reduce substance misuse by young people.

 Drug Strategy

In February 2008, the Government launched a new 10 year Drug Strategy,
Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities. 

This continues to focus on young people and introduces families as a priority for the first time, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to reducing the harm that children experience from either their own or a parent’s misuse of substances.

• Taking a long term view of prevention by intervening early with families at risk,improving treatment for parents with drug problems and protecting their children;

• Improving drugs education and strengthen the role of schools and children’s services in identifying problems and intervening early

• Integrating substance misuse issues within mainstream children’s services and targeted youth support, improving access to positive activities and ensuring effective specialist treatment for under 18s.

The commitment is demonstrated by our intention to re-classify cannabis as a Class B substance.