NCJ Number
173222
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 28 Issue: Dated: Pages: edition (Winter 1998)-154
Date Published
1998
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This article attempts to estimate the prevalence and pattern of drug misuse in Northern Ireland.
Abstract
The first section of the article explores factors influencing drug misuse in Northern Ireland and researchers' knowledge of the misuse. The section attempts to demonstrate that drug use, distribution, and policy cannot be examined in isolation from the politics and practices of the protagonists in the conflict in Northern Ireland. The second section critically reviews existing data on drug misuse, ranging from the various public health and law enforcement indicators through the limited empirical research data. Drug policies often are motivated by political rather than public health concerns. Historically, drug policies about use and availability were influenced by concern for control over markets or trade. The third section of this report calls for quality research in Northern Ireland that would influence effective drug policy and practice. One of the most obvious consequences of the lack of knowledge in Northern Ireland is that it leaves the field open to wishful thinking, anecdotal assertions, and inaccurate guesswork that disproportionately influences policy, service planning, and delivery. Tables, notes, references