Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Illegal drug use remains high, underscoring the critical need for effective prevention strategies.
Conclusion
Around 3 million people in England and Wales take illegal drugs each year, around one in 11 adults. Despite attempts in the 2010 and 2017 drugs strategies to reduce long- term demand, this figure has remained largely unchanged since 2010–11.74 Our recent report on alcohol treatment services highlighted the importance of prevention strategies in reducing the impact of substance misuse.75 The JCDU agreed that prevention was crucial to the overall success of the strategy and reduction of drug-related harms. Government witnesses concurred on the significance of investment in prevention and other aspects of the strategy, highlighting the long-term benefits to the economy, health and wider society.76
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 2 April 2024. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗