What is the nature of the problem?
Each year in England and Wales an estimated 3.8 million people use at least one illicit drug. A million will use one of the more dangerous drugs, such as heroin and crack.
Not all users become addicted or need treatment. For most, taking drugs is a passing phase and they do not need any help to stop. Only a minority develop a serious problem, typically but not exclusively involving heroin or cocaine.
Drug misuse is a complex issue. While the number of people with a serious problem is small, their use affects everybody, including their families, friends, communities and society.
Effective treatment is the best way of tackling the harm that drugs can cause.
It offers individuals the opportunity to manage their addiction and get on the road to recovery – most who come into treatment do want to end their dependency. It also gives communities a break from drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour.
How does the NTA help?
The NTA’s job is to improve the availability, accessibility and effectiveness of treatment for drug dependency in England and to maximise the benefits of that treatment for individuals, their families and communities.
We report to the Department of Health, and work closely with the Home Office, the Department for Education, and the Ministry of Justice.
Treatment is the gateway through which drug users can rebuild their lives, and reintegrate with their families and communities. We are committed to providing a balanced treatment system, which can offer people the help that will most likely meet their individual needs.
We also continually seek to improve results for users in treatment.