Assessing the validity of recent estimates of problematic drug use in England. Issue 1 (18th September 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frisher, M; Forsyth, A
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 63:Issue 1(2009)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2008-09-18
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2008.076844
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The Home Office has recently published estimates which, for the first time, provide a "robust national estimate" of the number of problematic drug users in England. The 2004/05 and 2005/06 estimates are the highest estimates ever produced for England and coincide with the highest ever government annual expenditure on combating illicit drug use. Methods and Results: Review of a range of data sources that indicate a downward trend in problematic drug use in recent years. Conclusions: The validity of the estimates is important for drug policy, and the paper considers the implications of both increasing and decreasing levels of problematic drug use.