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Whose harm? Harm and the shift from health to coercion in UK drug policy

Hunt, Neil, Stevens, Alex (2004) Whose harm? Harm and the shift from health to coercion in UK drug policy. Social Policy and Society, 3 (4). pp. 333-342. ISSN 1474-7464. (doi:10.1017/S1474746404001964) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:13327)

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Abstract

Building on Stimson’s (2000) analysis, this paper examines the shift from a focus on health towards one of crime within UK drug policy. The increased use of coerced or

compulsory treatment of drug users is discussed with reference to harm reduction theory and the question of whose harm is prioritised in shaping drug services. We also identify mechanisms by which the efficacy of treatment approaches based on coercion may be lessened or reduce the efficacy of other existing services. Failure to consider these may be an important omission in any appraisal of the impact of policies that increasingly prioritise crime prevention and coercion over heath and voluntarism.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1017/S1474746404001964
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Alex Stevens
Date Deposited: 17 Apr 2009 14:31 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:51 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/13327 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hunt, Neil.

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CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Stevens, Alex.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4878-3871
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