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Comparison Model
An analysis of UK drug legislation cannot ignore the international dimension. To give an idea of where the UK stands in terms of levels of drug dependence, associated crime and addiction treatment, the countries listed below have been used as a comparison.
Country |
Classification |
Policy |
No of problematic drug users |
UK |
Drugs classified according the to the ABC system |
4 strand aim to educate young people, reduce drug-related harm, increase numbers of users in rehab and curb supply. |
327 00
|
US |
Similar to the UK |
Approach similar to UK – focuses on reducing numbers of drug misusers |
3.9 million |
Netherlands |
Clear differentiation between 'hard' and 'soft' drugs |
Approach generally considered liberal as the Dutch believe that drug use is a normal social problem. Reducing harm and crimes associated with drug misuse. 3-pronged policy: Education, prevention and treatment |
33 174 |
Sweden |
Drugs classified according to their effects (unlike UK) |
Approach generally considered to be conservative. Reducing availability of drugs to create a 'drug-free' state |
25 745 |
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