The paper explores the influence of American perspectives on recent developments in British drug policy. It describes a shift toward greater emphasis on prevention, particularly community-based, multi-agency approaches. The shift was prompted by awareness of changes in patterns of drug taking associated with conditions in impoverished areas like Glasgow, south London and Liverpool, and the rise of the new heroin user. The key principles in current British drug policy are a coordinated strategic approach; internationalization of response; increased regulation and guidance, reducing professional and clinical autonomy; increased focus on effectiveness; increased emphasis on prevention; moves to decentralization; and stress on multi-disciplinary, multi-agency partnership. Involvement of the community and of disadvantaged groups has challenged the dominance of the orthodox providers in treatment and rehabilitation and contributed to the shift toward prevention and greater attention to the needs of young people and protecting communities. References