The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA)
is a National Health Service (NHS) special health authority, established to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of drug treatment in England. We aim to help people overcome their addiction and regain their lives.
What's new
More young people are beating drug and alcohol problems
MORE young people are overcoming their problems with drug and alcohol misuse than ever before, according to the latest statistics for England released today (8/12/11).
75% (10,507) of under-18s leaving drug and alcohol services last year successfully completed their programmes, compared to 48% (4,105) five years ago.
The rise shows that young people are increasingly responding to specialist treatment before problematic drug and alcohol habits become entrenched.
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Building recovery in communities
In April 2013, subject to the Health and Social Care Bill becoming law, local authorities will become responsible for commissioning drug treatment and recovery services. An effective approach to tackling substance misuse will require partnership working across local authorities, health bodies and criminal justice agencies. The object is not only for individuals to overcome dependency, but to be in employment, have stable accommodation, look after their families, and cease committing crime.
The recent Building Recovery in Communities consultation generated widespread agreement across the sector around developing an integrated approach to treatment and recovery support. We will shortly publish the consultation responses but in the meantime, as part of the preparation for the establishment of Public Health England, a range of support is available for partners developing effective locally-owned systems.
For example, a new Why Invest? presentation shows how investing in local drug treatment and recovery services benefits individuals, strengthens families and makes communities safer. It complements specialist material about planning and commissioning local recovery-oriented services that is available here.