Drug dependency is becoming an increasingly potent issue in modern society, with an estimated number of over 15.3 million drug use disorders reported worldwide by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2009. The term, ‘drug dependence’ is defined by the WHO as “a cluster of cognitive, behavioural and physiologic symptoms that indicate a person has impaired control of psychoactive substance use and continues use of the substance despite adverse consequences”.
In England and Wales statistics relating to drug, dependency are alarming and the implications of such significant figures are apparent in several areas of society. The following articles will aim to shed light on the current situation as well as addressing some of the social and cultural implications of drug dependency and outlining the help on offer for those suffering from problems relating to drug dependence.