Drug misuse research announced

Drug use is widespread in the UK

A major research programme on drug misuse has been announced by the Department of Health.

Ministers hope the programme will help to develop strategies to reduce the problem of drug misuse in the UK.

Health Minister Gisela Stuart said on Friday that approximately £2.4m would be invested over four years.

The research will focus on:

• the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatment and care procedures
• the impact of waiting lists for drug misuse treatment
• how to use time on the waiting list positively to increase the likelihood of treatment success
• the link between substance abuse and mental health problems
• the impact of drug use on young people's psychosocial development
• prevention and treatment interventions aimed at young people
• the impact of long-term heavy cannabis use

Drug problems cause immense harm to individuals and to society

Gisela Stuart, Health Minister

Announcing this programme Ms Stuart said: "Drug problems cause immense harm to individuals and to society.

"This government is committed to a ten-year strategy of joint-action for tackling drugs misuse and there is a pressing need for high quality research to support the objectives of this strategy."

Heavy cost

Gisela Stuart said ministers were committed to tackling drug misuse

UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator Keith Hellawell said drug misuse cost Britain more than £4bn a year in sickness, absenteeism and crime.

He said: "This new research programme on drugs misuse will add to the effectiveness of our strategy by providing evidence needed, particularly in measures aimed at helping young people stay clear of drugs and in the treatment and rehabilitation of those caught in the drugs trap."

This is a timely and positive package

Ron Alexander, Turning Point

Ron Alexander, of the drug charity Turning Point, welcomed the research programme.

He told BBC News Online: "This is a timely and positive package to tackle the widespread use of drugs in our society.

"There is no comparison between the massive use of drugs now than with even 10 or 20 years ago. Drugs like heroin and cocaine have always been with us, but there has been a massive expansion in the use of recreational drugs and cocktails of drugs."

Mr Alexander said up to a third of regular drugs users risked developing mental problems caused by damage to the brain tissues from poor nutrition.

A total of 14 studies are being commissioned under the Drug Misuse Research Initiative.