ABSTRACT
The availability of certain drugs in the society is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971 and by several sets of regulations arising from it. This Act defines drugs according to the following classification and restricts their possession, production, supply, importation, exportation and cultivation. The Act also defines ‘schedules’, perhaps the part of the Act most relevant to the medical profession. Until April 1997 the Home Office kept records of dependent drug users in a register known as the Addicts Index. In England and Wales the Mental Health Act 1983 allows, in certain defined circumstances, for the compulsory detention and treatment in hospital of those suffering from a mental disorder. Under the Children Act and in common with other health care professionals, doctors in England and Wales treating drug dependent patients have a responsibility to report children whom they suspect to be at risk to the social services.
