New laws which will force people to undergo drug treatment even if they have committed no crime have come into force.
The Home Office's intervention orders, or IOs, allow the police and other agencies - including town halls - to deal with nuisance behaviour.
IOs are designed to address problems such as drug-using noisy neighbours and aggressive beggars.
Orders applied for in the magistrates' or county court will outline specific activities someone must undergo in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour.
If they fail to comply they could face a fine of up to £2,500.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "Intervention orders allow authorities to ensure drug misusers get the treatment they need.
"The orders are a valuable tool in dealing with an individual's drug-related anti-social behaviour, dealing with the root cause so that their behaviour improves for the benefit of everyone."
He added: "Effective use of IOs will help to tackle nuisance behaviour. Together with Asbos they can go a long way to tackling the root causes of misbehaviour and improve a sense of well-being among communities. That's because increasing drug treatment reduces crime."
IOs were created under the Drugs Act, which secured Royal Assent last year.
They will only apply to over-18s and can be applied for by the police, local authorities, housing associations, registered social landlords, Transport for London and the Environment Agency.
