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File on 4: Inside the World of the Class A Student

Inside the World of the Class A Student

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Inside the World of the Class A Student

Students say drugs are as common as alcohol.

Students say drugs have become commonplace at UK universities. Buying in Class A drugs for a night out is an everyday occurrence on campus. Tom Wright investigates.

Tom Wright investigates the normalisation of drug taking amongst Britain’s students. A recent graduate, he says Class A drugs like MDMA are bought and sold with impunity by students across the country. The student bubble, like a music festival, has become an almost decriminalised space - where the chances of getting caught are perceived to be almost non-existent. Drug dealers brazenly target student areas, handing out business cards with a la carte menus of Class A and B drugs. 

Unlike music festivals, where on-site drug testing is rapidly becoming the norm, universities do little to engage with harm reduction. Those that do risk widespread criticism for ‘normalising’ drug taking. Meanwhile Universities proclaim "zero tolerance" drugs policies and the police say they have neither the resources or the inclination to punish casual drug use.  

Tom Wright investigates whether universities are doing enough to help their students and asks, could campus drug testing help keep our students safe?


If you’ve been affected by addiction, help and support is available:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1kS7QTDB16PWkywhsXJLzxz/information-and-support-addiction-alcohol-drugs-and-gambling

Presenter: Tom Wright
Producer: Anna Meisel
Editor: Andrew Smith

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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