Drug-related killings on the street, countries destabilised, young lives wrecked, company productivity and profits hit, accidents at work, tragic deaths. Police chiefs and judges say the drugs war is lost. Every day calls to soften the law get louder. At the same time, the worst predictions have turned out to be scare stories. Dr Dixon takes a hard look at the facts and argues for urgent action, starting at school and in the workplace.
Addiction is far more serious than most people realise but the good news is that treatment works.
There are many practical steps that can be taken to tackle the problem. Dr Dixon concludes with a ten point plan for the government and a practical way forward for parents, teachers and others concerned about addiction. Inside 10 Downing Street on the first day of research, Dr Dixon found that he had open access to the heart of power. He swiftly found himself in battles with libel lawyers and powerful figures in public life who feared disclosure. Most people regard politicians with contempt.