Should drugs be legalised? How could harm from drugs be reduced in the city? Should recovery projects get more funding? How do public agencies approach drug use in Bristol?
Over autumn/winter 2017, after the government published its new Drug Strategy, the Cable is shining spotlights on the various ways drugs and drugs policy impact on the city and people who live here.
Stories will range from investigating the laws around and use of ‘new psychoactive substances’, to interviews with the politicians and campaigners arguing for more enlightened and evidence-based drugs policies, to the story of a former undercover police officer turned drugs reform activist.
If you have any story leads, get in touch with content@thebristolcable.org.
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Inside the UK’s first ever city centre drug testing facility- in the heart of Bristol
As charity The Loop reduced harms by testing drugs at Love Saves The Day this weekend, Bristol also became the first place in the UK to offer city centre testing.
City Investigations Banner Home Page
Revealed: ‘The most tradable prescription drug’ at HMP Bristol
The prison is trying to crack down on prescription drug pregabalin, as inmates either remain addicted or use it as currency.
Bristol And Beyond Features Banner Home Page
Pregabalin: Bristol’s ‘emerging’ prescription drug problem
As pregabalin and gabapentin are liberally prescribed by GPs — and putting drug users at risk on the black market — the government is taking action.
City Reports
Drugs services: commissioning failure after funding cuts
Cuts make Bristol one of a growing number of local authorities who received no bids from service providers.
Voices Ideas And Action Banner Home Page
Voice: Drug deaths – “It doesn’t need to be this way”
After the loss of her partner to drug addiction, Cara joined the campaign advocating for drug legalisation.
Features Ideas And Action Banner Home Page
Putting an end to the drug war and “the reign of terror”
Undercover cop-turned-drug reform activist Neil Woods talks about “the most important social justice issue of our time”.
Banner Home Page City
“Keeping drugs illegal isn’t protecting people” – Bristol MP
The Bristol Cable spoke to Thangam Debbonaire about her critical views of the government’s Drug Strategy, the need for reform, and concrete solutions.
City Banner Home Page Reports
Drug deaths in Bristol sharply increase
What explains the rising rates of drug misuse fatalities, and how can the risks be reduced for Bristol’s population of drug users?
