UK Drug Policy

We focus on evaluating the effectiveness of current policies, and understanding the social and health impacts of drug use.
Drug policy

The UK’s drug policy continues to evolve as policymakers grapple with the complexities of drug use, addiction, and the criminal justice response. NatCen’s work in this area focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of current policies, understanding the social and health impacts of drug use, and contributing to debates on drug policy reform.

NatCen is poised to take a leading role in shaping future UK drug policy through the following initiatives.

As discussions around drug decriminalisation and harm reduction gain momentum, NatCen seeks to spearhead research that critically examines the implications of different models of drug regulation, including legal frameworks and public health approaches.

NatCen aims to enhance research on harm reduction strategies, such as safe consumption spaces and opioid substitution therapies, to provide evidence for innovative policy solutions that prioritise public health.

With potential shifts in drug policy on the horizon, NatCen plans to lead evaluations of new interventions and policies to assess their impact on public health, criminal justice, and community safety. 

Live research

Evaluation of the Whole Systems Approach to the National Drug Strategy (2024)

NatCen partnered with Verian and CECAN to evaluate the Whole Systems Approach to the National Drug Strategy (2024) for the Joint Combating Drugs Unit (JCDU), undertaking an evidence review of international and domestic partnership approaches and conducting four deep dives in Combating Drugs Partnerships around the country. These deep dives include qualitative fieldwork with strategic stakeholders, lived experience leads, members of key working groups, frontline staff and service users as well as a document review. 

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