Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the content of the strategy and assess its claims to be evidence based.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a close-reading of the text with commentary on specific content and reference to wider contexts.
Findings
The strategy makes use of evidence in its sections on treatment. Much evidence, including that of the UK ACMD, is dismissed or ignored. The issue of funding in times of austerity is not considered in the strategy. The range and complexity of drug use and users are not fully considered.
Research limitations/implications
The strategy can be seen as an idealised ambition with little basis in reality without funding to support its aims.
Social implications
There is no consideration of the impact of macro-economic policy on the extent of drug misuse.
Originality/value
Other commentaries on the strategy are emerging. This paper is a more extensive consideration than has so far appeared.
Validation of a regional drug misuse database: implications for policy and surveillance of problem drug use in the uk
