On Thursday 1 October, NTA Director of Delivery, Rosanna O’Connor, attended the official opening of Withnell House, a large new residential therapeutic community in rural Lancashire provide by Inward House projects and supported by DH Capital grants.

During her visit Rosanna also attended a graduation ceremony for problem drug users completing residential rehabilitation in a small urban facility in Stockport. This service is provided by ADAS (Alcohol and Drugs Abstinence Service) who will be opening another facility in Rochdale which is also supported by the DH Capital grants.

Rosanna O’Connor said: “The NTA is committed to choice and improving Tier 4 provision is a key part of our Treatment Effectiveness strategy. At its best, Tier 4 service provision can provide effective responses to drug misuse in treating people whose use has been long and heavy, and people with complex needs. It can also enable drug users to move towards long-term abstinence when and where appropriate.

“The aim of all drug treatment is to help addicts become drug-free, leave treatment and reintegrate into society. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to every problem drug user and that is why the NTA advocates a balanced treatment system to allow individuals to access the treatment they need from a range of clinically appropriate services.”

In September 2008, the NTA issued fresh guidance to purchasers and commissioners of residential treatment, urging Drug Action Partnerships to review their arrangements for people with prolonged and heavy drug use.