Developments in Public Policy in Respect of Tranquilizers: A Case Study of Britain

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the social issues and policy developments which have set the “service provision agenda” for those who have experienced problems with tranquilizers. It covers three main areas: (1) key issues in considering the social context of tranquilizer use; (2) the development of services for drug misusers including tranquilizer users, and (3) the service response at the grass-roots level within a public health context. The implication of these discussions is that there is an urgent need to link policy with practice as well as resource management with service provision.

Key Words:

• Benzodiazepines
• Tranquilizers
• Public health
• Drug services