FAQ's home

Answers to popular questions about drugs and drug issues

Are all drugs addictive?

It depends on what we mean by addiction.

Does cannabis lead to taking other drugs?

This is the so-called 'escalation' hypothesis, or 'gateway theory'.

Does drug education stop drug use?

In the past many people hoped that drug education would prevent young people from ever using drugs...

Does treatment work?

There are many types drug treatment in the UK...

How are the UK’s drug laws enforced?

There are a number of UK legislative controls to restrict the supply and use of drugs in the UK. The following agencies are responsible for enforcing them.

How effective are media campaigns?

Trying to determine the impact of media campaigns on attitudes to particular issues is not easy.

How many drugs are seized by customs?

Every year HM Customs and Excise intercept hundreds of shipments or people bringing illicit drugs into the country.

How many people are addicted?

Addiction or problematic use is a difficult concept to measure

How many people are convicted of drug offences?

In 1997 just over 26,00 people were found guilty in a court or given a caution for a drug offence in the UK...

How many people die from drugs?

The straight answer is that we do not know exactly how many drug-related deaths there are in the UK. This is because: