Service users, families and carers

Drug treatment works: it helps dependent people get better.

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Service users, families and carers

Drug treatment and recovery

'Getting drug users into treatment and putting them on the road to recovery is not job done but job started'

It is not easy to overcome drug dependency, but people can and do recover. You can read some of the inspirational stories of recovery here.

Some users have the capacity to recover without treatment, using their personal and social skills, and with the help of their families and peers. But for those who do need help, treatment is freely available on the NHS.

Recovering from a drug problem can take many forms. There is no one size fits all solution but treatment is effective and reduces the harm drugs cause to individuals, their families and neighbourhoods.

Each individual will take a different path as well as having different goals to aspire to on their road to recovery, but combining treatment with access to other health and care services, along with support from families and other social networks, improves the chances of long-term recovery.

Use the links below to find out more about drug treatment and recovery in England.

What treatment is available?

No single form of drug treatment is effective for all people – there is no 'one size fits all' solution, no 'magic bullets'.

Access to a wide range of treatment options is required to respond to the varying needs of problem drug users.

Find out more about what drug treatment is available

Accessing treatment

Drug treatment is available to anybody who needs it and is often the first step on the road to recovery.

People access drug treatment in a variety of ways.

The majority who receive NHS treatment either refer themselves or are referred by their GP or another part of the NHS. The average wait to get into treatment is less than a week. Around only one in three of those in treatment are referred via the criminal justice system.

Find out more about how to access treatment

Support and advice

Drug treatment in England has vastly improved in the past decade.

Now anyone who needs treatment can get it quickly and far more people are receiving help.

If you need help, support or advice there are a number of organisations who can help.

Find out more about getting help and advice

Making a difference and getting involved

Having drug users and their families and friends involved in the treatment system is crucial for effective treatment.

From user and carer forums to recovery champions, there are numerous ways in which a service user or carer can ensure that their voice is being heard when it comes to treatment.

Find out more about making a difference

Recovery News and events

There is a lot of great work going on around the country to raise awareness about recovery and showcase the services available to help people recover from drug addiction.

Find out more about the work that's going on

Personal stories

'What the treatment's given me is life. Without it I'd be dead'.

Substance misuse is a complex issue. It affects individuals from all walks of life, as well as their families, friends and communities.

Find , and from those who look after them and treat them.

Find out more about the personal stories of people whose lives have been affected by substance misuse