A welfare system that buys drink for alcoholics, drugs for addicts and sweets for the obese is cruel, not compassionate

It is obscene that people have been left in limbo and handed cash rather than given help for their problems.

Why we need to take note of America’s heroin epidemic

If the trend of the last decade continues, it won’t be long before America has a million active heroin users.

The challenge of synthetic drugs in a free society

The pace of innovation is now so fast that the authorities have trouble keeping up with it.

Rupert Oldham-Reid: Ending the deadly trade in ‘legal highs’

A blanket ban may seem disproportionate, but is necessary to stay ahead of the chemists and suppliers who deal in these substances.

Edward Boyd: Tackling prisoners’ drug addictions will cut crime 

Just under a third of prisoners say it is easy to get drugs in prison. Seven per cent say they have developed an addiction while incarcerated.

Heresy of the week: Drug courts – an idea that both sides in the legalisation debate should agree on

Conventional courts focus on the crime being tried, when the real problem that needs to be addressed lies within the individual who committed it.

Those on sickness benefit should accept treatment

The leading addiction expert Dr Robert Lefever says the Government’s proposal is right.

The unhappy result of America’s trade in happy pills

The reason why heroin use is falling in Europe but rising in the USA.

Why should public health force us to maximise our lifespans?

Public health builds mechanisms for limitless state interference in our lives but with no clear case for why living longer justifies overriding personal freedom.

The child of bankrupt parents who got into a grammar, did well – and does good

Lord Farmer’s maiden speech yesterday in a debate on Women, Homelessness, Domestic Violence and Social Exclusion.

The mind-bending politics of drugs

Public and media opinion have shifted while Westminster’s stance on the failing War on Drugs remains the same. How long will the mismatch last?

What the battle to save the rhino tells us about the war on drugs

Tackling the demand for an illegal product could be a better tactic than either banning or regulating its supply.

Edward Boyd: Let’s bring in Swift and Certain Sanctions to deal with drug offenders

As it stands, it’s too easy for drug users to “game” the system – or avoid punishment if they do get caught.

Stephen Tall: The Party that I really want to join

A mixed economy, an internationalist country, live and let live – the ideals I’d like to see it stand for.

Julian Mann: Taking illegal drugs is no less evil than sexual harassment

Both are socially evil and should be prosecuted on the basis of sufficient evidence.