Kevin Williamson's 'Drugs and the Party Line' holds UK (and international) drugs policy up to the light, scrutinizing a prohibitionist approach to drugs use while pointing to the experience of the Netherlands as a model for enlightened development of drugs policy.
The UK (toddling after the USA) has adopted a hypocritical prohibitionist stance on illicit substances, while tacitly accepting the licensing of alcohol and tobacco (the most harmful of drugs). Williamson addresses this duplicity, exposing the nonsensical spin of British politicians as well as media and public double standards.
The rise in dangerous drug using trends owes more to 'zero tolerance' fanaticism than availability of illicit drugs on the black market. The politics surrounding these trends must shift. Williamson presents his argument with credibility and enthusiasm. A must read for those willing to consider the evidence for a harm reduction approach to substance use problems. Warning: this is a controversial read and may be deemed by some as subversive literature! Enjoy.