ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between material conditions, long-term problematic drug misuse and social exclusion. Long-term drug use may be a response to social exclusion rather than the reason for their social exclusion. It is argued that some people have been subject to marginalization and exclusion prior to becoming drug users. While major structural factors need tackling at a national level, structured day programmes like Second Chance do provide a new and important strategy to begin the process of social inclusion at a local level. The issues that face long term problematic drug users are the same issues facing the long-term unemployed. Tackling this major social issue of exclusion is an enormous task that requires attention at a multiplicity of levels. The fragmentation of social cohesion is the most disturbing outcome of the major structural changes that took place under Thatcherism.
