The aim of this essay will be to discuss and focus on the relationship between drugs, alcohol and health problems and with reference to the North West of England . Liverpool and the Wirral Peninsula will be examined in terms of the health and social impacts and the implications of drug and alcohol use on local communities. A broader look at the United Kingdom and the United States of America as well as other parts of the world will also be used to make a comparison. This essay will begin by briefly examining the history of drug and alcohol use and then move on to the problems caused by their use. The essay will then show how environment and culture play a significant role in the increase in illegal drug and alcohol use to date, as well as their connection to crime rates. The trial will then show how the region has managed to address these issues and how collaboration between community members and civil servants, police and local authorities, as well as national health services, work together to produce positive results . The essay will also show how members of the public form powerful groups that lobby governments and influence legislation. Due to recent legislation and proposed reforms in social protection, it will be necessary to consider how these might affect current resources and how they might affect future needs. Where appropriate, the essay will use interviews with members of the public, NHS staff and service users to provide depth and insight into aspects of the discussion. The assignment will conclude with a summary and conclusion of the essay.The history of drug and alcohol use dates back many years, Hanson (1995) informs us that the discovery of beer jugs from the age de pierre established that alcohol consumption and... ... middle of document ...... crime rates and criminal activity are increasing in these areas, but many variables contribute to these factors. The trial looked at specific areas of the North West of the UK and showed that as a direct result of rising unemployment and local poverty, increases in drug and alcohol use has reached epidemic proportions, leading to social exclusion. At that time, drugs were readily available and authorities seemed powerless to stop them. The essay then moves on to various accounts from other authors, some in favor of drug legalization, others proposing more legislation. Generally speaking, both sides put forward valid arguments to fuel the debate. In answering the essay question, the student felt that drug and alcohol problems can change, but many contributing factors must be in place before this happens..