Bigger welfare state 'reduces hard drug use'

Research shows providing generous social security system is more effective than criminalising addicts
The Guardian (UK)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Reducing the use of drugs would be better tackled by having a bigger welfare state, rather than criminalising addicts, according to research. The work shows countries that provide a generous social security system have low levels of injecting drug use, irrespective of how punitive the drugs policy is. Charities have used the study to argue that the government's welfare cuts will see a rise in drug addicts.