DRUG TRENDS IN WALES

This paper describes the evolution of responses to drug related proble ms in Wales, from the first National Health Service in-patient admissi ons in the late 1960's until the publication of Forward Together, the Welsh Office strategy for drug and alcohol problems, in May 1996. Serv ice developments are placed in the context of the available data about the nature and extent of drug use across Wales, the particular challe nges faced, and the strategies adapted in Britain, in Wales, and at th e local level.