How is UK drugs policy made, and why does it so often seem irrational when considering what works in reducing drug-related harms?

This book explains how the concept of drug policy constellations - the loosely concerted policy actors with shared moral commitments that influenced policy outcomes - explains why there is no such thing as 'evidence-based' drug policy. Drawing on his participation in high-level policy discussions, and a novel approach to policy analysis, Stevens presents three recent cases involving key issues in UK illicit drug policy - medical cannabis, drug-related deaths and the government's 10-year drug strategy.

About the Author
Alex Stevens is Professor in Criminal Justice at the University of Kent.

Reviews
"A rich, explanatory tool in the analysis of policy processes. It will appeal to those conducting drug policy analysis, seeking to influence drug policy, to understand the role (or not) of evidence, and to understand how policy decisions are made and taken." Addiction
"There is a richness and a depth to this book; it can be read and re-read with new ideas emerging each time." Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
"Drug Policy Constellations provides original theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding drug policy making. The book is clearly written, engaging, humorous in places, and interesting throughout. It will be useful for both policy researchers and those wanting to influence policy." International Criminal Justice Review
"A masterly critical realist exploration of UK drug policy making, utilising the concept of 'constellations' to analyse the power of values and interests, along with savvy politics, to influence what gets done." Susanne MacGregor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Middlesex University
"An illuminating and important insight into the frequently weird and occasionally wonderful world of drug policy." Steve Rolles, Transform Drug Policy Foundation



Book Information
ISBN 9781529231427
Author Alex Stevens
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Bristol University Press
Publisher Bristol University Press