New research based upon interviews with drug users suggests that one of their biggest concerns having undertaken to engage in treatment is returning to their community without support, especially housing or suitable accommodation. Many believe that without support and settled accommodation they may return to a drug using lifestyle.
This is one of the findings from two major reports into aftercare which are published today, October 20th, by Addaction the national drug and alcohol treatment charity.
Among the findings revealed in Addactions aftercare user survey are:
- 63% of users feared returning to drug use without appropriate aftercare support to meet their needs
- 57% of users reported that lack of suitable housing was a major concern
- 43% said they were anxious about getting employment and training to help them move on from their drug using lifestyle
The Addaction reports signal improvements in delivery made over the past two years: the majority of interviewees in the user survey (72%) had links established with services in the community following release from prison, completion of a DTTO or residential rehabilitation programme.
Among these links were: housing associations, education colleges, employment services such as Progress 2 Work, counselling services and prescribing services.
William Butler, Acting Chief Executive of Addaction said:
From the evidence we have amassed, we know we must do much more to improve partnership working in our communities to address housing need, and that goal is not simply a one-way-street. It requires us in the treatment sector to reach out to Local Authorities and also to work more closely with specialist housing services so we can work better together. We must also influence and persuade Local Authorities that success in reducing drug-related crime and true regeneration of communities means inclusion of ex-offending drug users in local strategic planning. It is in everyones interest that we all work together for a common goal.
Survey results also revealed: Eighty two per cent of users interviewed already had care plans in place.
Ninety per cent of interviewees said they had maintained relationships with partner, family or friends while accessing drug treatment in prison or the community
Nineteen per cent of the sample said their family had received support from drug treatment services.
Eighty seven per cent of the sample emphasised the importance of relationships and of having non-drug using friends.
Other strengths found in services from Addactions Year Two study include:
The effectiveness of the single point of contact (which stops people from being bounced from pillar to post with endless interviews and many different places to go.)
Flexibility and responsiveness of staff (meeting people at the prison gate on release, making appointments, fitting into the clients needs rather than the service needs)
Following last years Aftercare Year One Report which was a comprehensive mapping exercise on aftercare services, Addaction focused this year on the delivery of aftercare in a number of Drug Action Team (DAT) areas.
To download the reports go to
Source: www.addaction.org.uk
Posted: 20th October 2005
