UK substance use policy research should think local

Authors: Haydock, W.

Journal: Drugs and Alcohol Today

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

Pages: 149-157

ISSN: 1745-9265

DOI: 10.1108/DAT-02-2015-0006

Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider how policy researchers should respond to recent developments in substance use and the governance of drug and alcohol policy in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes two elements from the 2010 UK Drug Strategy – supply and treatment – and considers a case study in each to briefly examine the potential role of local policymakers in shaping how substance use is experienced. Findings – It is argued that the Coalition Government’s health reforms have given local commissioners greater autonomy over treatment policy than they had under the preceding Labour Government. Similarly, the regulation of new psychoactive substances in the UK has left local areas to determine their own approach to controlling supply through retail outlets. Research limitations/implications – Drawing on the broader academic literature on policymaking, this paper calls for ethnographic research into local policymaking related to substance use, which will help to illuminate how perceived policy problems are shaped by particular local systems and understandings of evidence. Originality/value – While this paper is not unique in identifying the importance of locally based research, it identifies the particular relevance of this research agenda in the UK today. It seeks to inform and encourage research that can shape the development of local policymaking.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22426/

Source: Scopus

UK substance use policy research should think local

Authors: Haydock, W.

Journal: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

Pages: 149-157

eISSN: 2042-8359

ISSN: 1745-9265

DOI: 10.1108/DAT-02-2015-0006

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22426/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

UK substance use policy research should think local

Authors: Haydock, W.

Journal: Drugs and Alcohol Today

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

ISSN: 1745-9265

DOI: 10.1108/DAT-02-2015-0006

Abstract:

Purpose This paper considers how policy researchers should respond to recent developments in substance use and the governance of drug and alcohol policy in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach The paper takes two elements from the 2010 UK Drug Strategy –supply and treatment –and considers a case study in each to briefly examine the potential role of local policymakers in shaping how substance use is experienced.

Findings It is argued that the Coalition Government’s health reforms have given local commissioners greater autonomy over treatment policy than they had under the preceding Labour Government. Similarly, the regulation of new psychoactive substances in the UK has left local areas to determine their own approach to controlling supply through retail outlets.

Research limitations/implications Drawing on the broader academic literature on policymaking, this paper calls for ethnographic research into local policymaking related to substance use, which will help to illuminate how perceived policy problems are shaped by particular local systems and understandings of evidence.

Originality/value While this paper is not unique in identifying the importance of locally-based research, it identifies the particular relevance of this research agenda in the UK today. It seeks to inform and encourage research that can shape the development of local policymaking.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22426/

Source: Manual

UK substance use policy research should think local

Authors: Haydock, W.

Journal: Drugs and Alcohol Today

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

ISSN: 1745-9265

Abstract:

Purpose This paper considers how policy researchers should respond to recent developments in substance use and the governance of drug and alcohol policy in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes two elements from the 2010 UK Drug Strategy –supply and treatment –and considers a case study in each to briefly examine the potential role of local policymakers in shaping how substance use is experienced. Findings It is argued that the Coalition Government’s health reforms have given local commissioners greater autonomy over treatment policy than they had under the preceding Labour Government. Similarly, the regulation of new psychoactive substances in the UK has left local areas to determine their own approach to controlling supply through retail outlets. Research limitations/implications Drawing on the broader academic literature on policymaking, this paper calls for ethnographic research into local policymaking related to substance use, which will help to illuminate how perceived policy problems are shaped by particular local systems and understandings of evidence. Originality/value While this paper is not unique in identifying the importance of locally-based research, it identifies the particular relevance of this research agenda in the UK today. It seeks to inform and encourage research that can shape the development of local policymaking.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22426/

Source: BURO EPrints