Dangerous Drugs (Supply To Addicts) Regulations 1968

Dangerous Drugs (Supply to Addicts) Regulations 1968 were a set of legal provisions enacted in the United Kingdom aimed at controlling the supply of certain dangerous drugs to individuals known to be addicted to them. These regulations were part of a broader legislative framework designed to address issues related to drug misuse and addiction, particularly concerning substances that have a high potential for abuse and dependency.

Background

The late 1960s saw a growing concern over drug abuse and its implications on public health and social order in the UK. The government, in response, sought to tighten control over the distribution and use of drugs with a high potential for addiction. The Dangerous Drugs (Supply to Addicts) Regulations 1968 were introduced as a measure to regulate the supply of drugs, such as opiates and amphetamines, to individuals who were identified as addicts.

Provisions

The regulations specified the conditions under which certain drugs could be supplied to addicts. Key provisions included:

• Licensing and Record-Keeping: Medical practitioners and pharmacists were required to obtain a special license to supply drugs to addicts. They were also mandated to keep detailed records of such supplies, including the quantity of drugs dispensed and the identity of the recipients.
• Restrictions on Prescriptions: The regulations imposed restrictions on how prescriptions for dangerous drugs could be issued to addicts. This included limitations on the quantity of drugs that could be prescribed and the duration for which they could be supplied.
• Supervision and Treatment: The regulations encouraged the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts by requiring that the supply of drugs be part of a supervised treatment program. This aimed to reduce dependency and facilitate recovery.

Impact

The Dangerous Drugs (Supply to Addicts) Regulations 1968 had a significant impact on the approach to drug addiction treatment in the UK. By regulating the supply of addictive drugs, the government aimed to curb abuse and encourage treatment. However, the regulations also sparked debate about the best ways to address drug addiction, with some advocating for more liberal approaches, such as harm reduction and decriminalization.

Controversy and Reform

Over time, the effectiveness and ethical implications of the 1968 regulations have been subjects of debate. Critics argue that the strict control measures may hinder access to treatment for addicts and potentially criminalize individuals suffering from addiction. These concerns have led to calls for reform and the adoption of alternative strategies that balance control with compassion and access to healthcare.

See Also

• Drug policy of the United Kingdom
• Substance abuse
• Opiate substitution therapy
• Harm reduction

References

• Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? WikiMD's DocFinder can help with millions of doctors!

This article is a stub. Help WikiMD grow by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. About WikiMD: A comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.