What you will get from this report

• An effective approach to preventing and reducing the harms associated with illegal drug use and drug-control policies, based on an independent and objective review of the evidence.
• A doctor’s role in the medical management of drug dependence and the ethical challenges of working within the criminal justice system.

Key findings

• Drug-related deaths have increased in recent years.
• Short-term harms can range from unpleasant side-effects such as vomiting and fainting, to more serious impacts such as seizures, tissue and neural damage, or death.
• Repeated use can lead to chronic physical and psychological health effects, as well as dependence.
• Individuals who become dependent are at increased risk of harm because of chronic use.
• People who inject illicit drugs are at particular risk of secondary health harms such as acquiring HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.