Approaches to substance misuse treatment
Adfam, DrugScope, The Alliance and EATA have published a new consensus statement that reflects many of KCA’s values and endorses a mixed approach to treatment, from needle exchange to abstinence-based treatment.
It particularly emphasises the need to:
- Build upon the considerable achievements to date
- Improve links to wider supports that fulfil people’s needs including housing and opportunities to learn and work
- Increase the personalisation of treatment
- Acknowledge and support families and carers
- Continue to respond to heroin and crack cocaine problems, but also problems from drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, ‘legal highs’ and provide alcohol treatment for those who need it, Sustain investment to protect public health, and
- Commit to an evidence-based, non-partisan approach to drug policy.
They conclude:
“Decision-makers and opinion formers have a responsibility to make sure that taxpayers' money is spent wisely, on services that deliver on public priorities and with public benefits. We recognise that tough decisions need to be made between competing priorities, particularly at a time of spending restraint. But we also know that any disinvestment in drug treatment services will leave some of the most excluded and marginalised in our society with no second chances and no route back. It will also result in greater costs in the long run, as we pay the price of not intervening in support of people who are prepared to face up to their drug problems and try to get their lives on track.”
Posted 18 June 2010