Government scheme targets 'chemsex' and 'legal highs'

Credit: PA

So-called "chemsex" drugs and former "legal highs" will be targeted as part of a new government bid to reduce the use of illicit drugs.

While figures suggest drug misuse is falling, the Home Office has unveiled "world leading" action to tackle "evolving" threats from new psychoactive substances (NPS).

NPS, which often mimic the effects of drugs such as cannabis, were widely known as legal highs before they were criminalised last year.

The Psychoactive Substance (PS) known as 'Spice'. Credit: PA

They include image and performance enhancing drugs, chemsex drugs - which are used to sustain, enhance, disinhibit or facilitate sex - and the misuse of prescribed medicines.

Officials say the drugs carry serious physical and mental health risks, including the spread of blood borne infections and viruses.

What is the government's 'world leading' action?

  • A new intelligence system to quicken responses to new "drug-related harms".

  • The appointment of a National Recovery champion to ensure adequate housing, employment and mental health services are available to help recovering addicts turn their lives around.

  • Health service progress checks on those in recovery at 12 months as well as six, to ensure they remain drug-free.

  • More support for prison officers to play a bigger role in the recovery process.

  • Strengthen controls at Britain's borders, "understand global trends" and share intelligence internationally.

The effort comes as figures show less people are taking illegal drugs.

Between 2015 and 2016 around 8% of 16 to 59-year-olds in England and Wales took illegal drugs - down from 10% a decade ago.

However the government estimates the annual cost of drugs to society to be £10.7 billion.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who will chair a new cross-government Drug Strategy Board, said: "Since becoming Home Secretary I have seen first-hand how drugs can destroy lives.

"I am determined to confront the scale of this issue and prevent drug misuse devastating our families and communities."

Ms Rudd added: "This Government has driven a tough law enforcement response in the UK and at our borders, but this must go hand in hand with prevention and recovery."

She said the new strategy would involve departments across government.

"This new strategy brings together police, health, community and global partners to clamp down on the illicit drug trade, safeguard the most vulnerable, and help those affected to turn their lives around."

Should misuse of these drugs be a criminal or health issue?

Martin Powell, head of campaigns at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, criticised the new strategy.

"It won't protect young people and communities because it is the same failed old recipe of criminalisation and under-funding that has led to record numbers of vulnerable people dying," he said.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "The drugs strategy won't work.

"It totally fails to address a key problem: treating drug dependence as a criminal justice issue rather than a health one."