The War on Drugs: A Failing Strategy
As a nation, we have long pursued a war on drugs, targeting every stage of the illicit trade — from the criminal networks involved in production, transportation, and distribution to the unfortunate individuals who fall victim to addiction. However, our approach to demonising even those who suffer from substance dependency has yielded profoundly negative and counterproductive results in our efforts to combat drug-related harm in the United Kingdom.
Despite implementing some of the most stringent drug laws in Europe, we continue to witness a deeply troubling rise in drug-related fatalities. In 2024, the number of drug-related deaths rose by 10% compared to the previous year, a stark reminder that our current strategy is failing. Alarmingly, nearly half of these fatalities were linked to opiates, while cocaine contributed to 1,118 deaths — a staggering 30.5% increase from 2022, marking the twelfth consecutive year of rising deaths.
While researching this article, I came across a statistic that, regrettably, did not surprise me. The North East, the region in which I have spent my entire life, recorded the highest rate of drug-related deaths in the country. I recall growing up and witnessing friends — some as young as fourteen — easily accessing illegal substances. Many would frequent a particular house on the estate, purchasing what they referred to as ‘tac,’ a resin form of cannabis. For several, this was merely the beginning of their addiction. It may come as little surprise that three of these friends are now either in prison or deceased — promising lives tragically lost to drugs.
This is the crux of my argument: when children are ensnared in drug dependency by predatory adults, why do we continue to view their fate as self-inflicted? They were groomed into addiction, transformed into lifelong customers of the drug trade — victims of criminal exploitation. Yet, instead of extending a hand of support, we vilify and ostracise them. Would it not be more constructive to treat addiction less as a criminal offence and more as a public health crisis? By removing the stigma surrounding substance dependence, we would encourage individuals to seek help. With the right interventions, many could break free from addiction, and by doing so, we would erode the business model of the criminals who profit from their suffering.
The financial burden of drug-related crime on the UK’s criminal justice system is substantial. Estimates from 2022 suggest that England alone spends approximately £6.9 billion annually on policing, court proceedings, prisons, and probation services related to drug offences. While it is true that this expenditure encompasses more than just the prosecution of addicts, it is undeniable that a more compassionate approach to addiction would ultimately reduce the overall cost of tackling drugs in this country.
So, how do we address addiction effectively?
Reflecting on my own experiences, I can attest that the early exposure to drugs I witnessed was far from an isolated occurrence — it is a daily reality across the United Kingdom. Our children are being groomed into drug dependency, setting them on a tragic path towards either imprisonment or an untimely death. It is imperative that we shift our focus towards helping these individuals rather than condemning them.
The first, and arguably most difficult, step is dismantling the stigma surrounding addiction. It is redundant to debate whether an individual is at fault for their circumstances — very few adolescents foresee a life dominated by substance abuse, nor do they actively choose to be manipulated by drug suppliers. By reducing societal stigma, we create an environment in which those struggling with addiction feel empowered to seek support. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to reintegrate them into society as productive members rather than outcasts.
A conversation I had with an old friend encapsulates this issue. Around a year ago, I encountered him on the street and stopped my car to speak with him. We reminisced about childhood, playing football together, and I asked whether he was currently working. He admitted, with visible shame, that his addiction had left him too embarrassed to apply for jobs. He had previously been employed but was dismissed for needing to smoke cannabis during his lunch breaks to manage his dependency. While I do not condone substance use in the workplace, his predicament highlights a fundamental issue: if those with addiction feel too ashamed to seek employment, how are they expected to regain self-sufficiency and contribute to society?
The next logical step is establishing solid foundations for rehabilitation. Many individuals affected by drug dependency have been denied educational opportunities, leaving them without the skills necessary for stable employment. Providing vocational training as part of rehabilitation efforts would allow recovering addicts to carve out a future for themselves. Whether they aspire to become tradespeople, support others on their journey to recovery, or enter employment, they must be equipped with the tools to succeed. This means access to qualifications, CV writing assistance, interview coaching, and even support in obtaining appropriate work attire. For those interested in self-employment, guidance on starting and managing a business could be invaluable.
It is time to abandon the outdated approach of criminalising addiction. Those who fell victim to the drug trade at a young age were not delinquents — they were exploited. By adopting a compassionate strategy, we can not only reduce the burden on our criminal justice system but also alleviate the strain on our overcrowded prisons. More importantly, we can offer individuals a genuine chance to rebuild their lives, free from stigma and condemnation.
A society is ultimately judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Let us ensure that, when it comes to addiction, we are judged not by our punishment but by our compassion.