They do things differently over there: Doctors, drugs, and the "British System" of treating opiate addiction

TY - JOUR

T1 - They do things differently over there: Doctors, drugs, and the "British System" of treating opiate addiction

AU - Witton, J

AU - Keaney, F

AU - Strang, J

PY - 2005/9

Y1 - 2005/9

N2 - The "British System" for treating opiate problems developed in the early part of the 20(th) century. Marked by an absence of a centrally coordinated policy, the system allowed doctors freedom and flexibility in prescribing to patients with opiate-related problems. These core features of the system have been retained despite buffetings from heroin epidemics among the young in the 1960s and 1980s and the challenge of HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users. Crime reduction became the focus of British drug policy in the 1990s, but nevertheless, treatment is still recognized as a key component of integrated UK drug policy in the early 21(st) century. Independence and diversity have thrived over this time. So what does the British System comprise today? And where is it going for tomorrow?

AB - The "British System" for treating opiate problems developed in the early part of the 20(th) century. Marked by an absence of a centrally coordinated policy, the system allowed doctors freedom and flexibility in prescribing to patients with opiate-related problems. These core features of the system have been retained despite buffetings from heroin epidemics among the young in the 1960s and 1980s and the challenge of HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users. Crime reduction became the focus of British drug policy in the 1990s, but nevertheless, treatment is still recognized as a key component of integrated UK drug policy in the early 21(st) century. Independence and diversity have thrived over this time. So what does the British System comprise today? And where is it going for tomorrow?

M3 - Article

VL - 35

SP - 779

EP - 797

JO - Journal of Drug Issues

JF - Journal of Drug Issues

IS - 4

ER -