Concerned with clarifying some of the more complex issues in drug abuse, the National Clearinghouse for Drug Abuse Information has prepared this special report on the British narcotics system. Underlying the British approach is the belief that narcotic dependence is a medical problem to be treated by medical professionals rather than a criminal problem to be handled by law enforcement agents. The history of British narcotics treatment policies may be divided into three periods: The Rolleston Committee (1924), Convening of the First Brain Committee (1958), and Convening of the Second Brain Committee (1964). Operation of a new "system" following the 1964 conference is described and evaluated, one which utilizes only specially designated doctors in clinics to treat addicts by employing heroin, methadone or encouraging withdrawal. Legal aspects of the situation, together with opinions of authorities in the field, are also expressed. Bibliographic references are listed. (BL)