The article found that the conceptual confusion that surrounds much of the research to date regarding coerced drug treatment invalidates any definitive statements of success. The ethics of coerced drug treatment is a matter of much debate and raises some fundamental questions. A new phenomenon that has emerged in many western countries is the increasing use of the criminal justice system as a way of making/coercing drug users into treatment. This heavy-handed approach is widespread in Britain. The rationale behind Britain’s policy is: (1) that there is a strong casual connection between drug addiction and acquisitive crime, (2) that treatment is effective in reducing drug-related crime, and (3) that coerced treatment is effective. The article examines coercion itself and motivation, ethical issues posed by coercion, and criminological aspects of the issue. Limitations of the study are discussed. Notes, references