The Goodenough Drug Strategy [www.dailydose.net/archives/GoodenoughDSMay.pdf] is a public policy project produced by a cross section of persons working in the field of substance use in the United Kingdom. The Goodenough drug strategy was developed at a time when public and professional debate around drugs was effectively stifled by heavy-handed central government management not only of the problem but also the discourse. The Goodenough Drug Strategy has been developed to specifically stimulate debate regarding the development of national drug strategy for the UK and the purpose of that drug strategy.
Goodenough is notable because of its focus on mainstreaming approaches to substance use, rather than ringfencing or dependence on specialist services. Goodenough proposes that as problems related to substance use are common in UK society, so the solutions to those problems should be offered from within mainstream community and health services. Drug users, goes the theory, are part of the community and the solution.
The Goodenough Drug Strategy was created in December 2006 and was published in May 2007. So far over 18,000 copies have been distributed across the UK. The Goodenough Drug Strategy has been supported by The London Drug Policy Forum, Lifeline and Drugscope.
Purpose and objectives
The main purpose of the Goodenough Drug Strategy is to promote the quality of life of individuals, families and communities experiencing problems related to substance use.
The objectives are: