Support for users fails to match need

Drug services are failing to provide integrated support for drug
misusers, a report by the Audit Commission has found.

A focus on treating clinical addiction has led to the neglect of a
wider range of support, including housing provision.

The report highlights that one in three drug users is homeless or
needs housing support and is likely to have mental health
problems.

The report shows that 34 per cent of drug users leaving treatment
lose contact with support organisations within 12 weeks.

Audit Commission chair James Strachan said: “It is time to treat
the person, not the drug problem. Agencies must ensure the support
and treatment they provide matches the needs that many problem drug
users have.”