The economic and social costs of Class A drug use in England and Wales, 2000

Estimates of the economic and social costs of Class A drug use in England and Wales are an important addition to the growing evidence base supporting the Government’s anti-drugs strategy. This information is valuable both for policy makers and for directing future research into what works in reducing illicit drug consumption, not least in terms of crime reduction and value for money.

This research study provides estimates of the economic and social costs of Class A drug use in England and Wales for the year 2000. The methodology used to estimate costs will also enable future simulations of the relationship between various streams of government proactive and reactive expenditure.