UK universities move away from zero-tolerance drug policies

UK universities are addressing how they handle drug-related incidents, moving away from traditional zero-tolerance drug policies and towards harm reduction methods.

This change is driven by advice made in a 2024 report by the UK Universities Drug Taskforce.

Harm reduction encompasses a set of measures that minimise the dangers of drug use through awareness campaigns and non-judgemental support services. This methodology puts student wellbeing first, and protects the victims of drug abuse rather than using punitive measures.

Zero-tolerance policies have been found to deter students from reaching out for support due to their fear of punishment

Zero-tolerance policies have been found to deter students from reaching out for support due to their fear of punishment. This results in isolating victims from support networks and risks continuing the cycle of addiction.

Survey research shows that only one in five of those students who have used drugs in the last year have sought support from their institution. Furthermore, nearly half of those who did seek help reported that their provider’s policy on drug use was a barrier to doing so.

Universities in the UK have broadly changed their course of action on drugs, with this research in mind. The charity SafeCourse found that a third of UK universities have adopted harm reduction methods, a third are in the process of transitioning towards harm reduction methods, and only one in eight retain zero-drug policies.

The University of Warwick maintains a zero-drug policy, with punitive measures administered alongside awareness classes.

While the use of drugs is not condoned, Warwick SU believes that ‘harm reduction is of utmost importance’

Warwick Students’ Union (SU) has a “safe and sensible drug policy,” which emphasises the importance of harm reduction and pushes to offer affordable drug testing kits for students, as well as to provide educational material on substance use.

While the use of drugs is not condoned, Warwick SU believes that “harm reduction is of utmost importance,” signifying a middle-ground approach.

It is encouraging to see the integration of harm reduction methods at the University of Warwick and others nationwide, after recognising that punitive measures are not the most effective in protecting students from substance abuse.

Zero-tolerance drug policies have not disappeared, however, and their enforcement can undermine harm reduction methods that aim to open support networks to struggling students.