Drug Trends in Wales

Abstract

This paper describes the evolution of responses to drug related problems in Wales, from the first National Health Service in-patient admissions in the late 1960's until the publication of Forward Together, the Welsh Office strategy for drug and alcohol problems, in May 1996. Service developments are placed in the context of the available data about the nature and extent of drug use across Wales, the particular challenges faced, and the strategies adopted in Britain, in Wales, and at the local level.