Drug Policy Constellations: The Role of Power and Morality in the Making of Drug Policy in the UK

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Alex Stevens (Kent University)

Drug Policy Constellations

The Role of Power and Morality in the Making of Drug Policy in the UK

Alex Stevens (Kent University)

$57.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Bristol University Press
15 April 2025

Research methods: general; Drug & substance abuse: social aspects; Crime & criminology; Public health & preventive medicine

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.

By: Alex Stevens (Kent University)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529231427
ISBN 10: 1529231426
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 15 April 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

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

Reviews for Drug Policy Constellations: The Role of Power and Morality in the Making of Drug Policy in the UK

""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 “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