Drug markets, consumption and policy

Coordinated by Dr Lisa Williams; organises the RESDrugs seminar series.

This group explores the social and policy dimensions of drug markets, consumption and lived/living experience. It brings together researchers examining the production, distribution, regulation and consumption of drugs, as well as associated criminalisation and harms.

Areas covered

  • Dynamics of illicit and licit drug markets;
  • Drug policy and regulation;
  • Substance use and recovery from substance use;
  • Policing and enforcement of drug laws;
  • Global and local perspectives on drug policy.

Research-driven teaching

  • CRIM30601 Drugs and Society (BA Criminology);
  • CRIM70572 Drugs: Markets, Policies and Consumption (MA/MRes Criminology).

Societal and community impact

  • Public engagement through arts-based research: Using photography, object-centred interviews and cross-stitching workshops to encourage dialogue and reflection on drug use, drug policy, stigma and recovery through projects such as Behind Closed Doors and Stitching for Change.
  • Informing policy and practice: Reviewing national tools for assessing parental substance use using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.
  • Supporting evidence-based treatment: Contributing research evidence to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) to inform the development of the women's drug treatment pathway.

Members

PGR students