ABOUT THE SUBSTANCE MISUSE SECTOR

Substance Misuse has evolved into a professional sector since 1995, when the first Drug Action Teams were established. DAT s are responsible for delivering the national Drugs Strategy at a localised level. They consist of representatives from the Police, Probation, Health, the Voluntary sector and the Drugs Intervention Program. Their core roles are to commission treatment services, and to manage and report on their performance.

In 1998, the Home Office developed a ten-year Drug Strategy to tackle substance misuse - and in 2001, the National Treatment Agency was set up. This was developed to ensure that there is more treatment, better treatment and fairer treatment available to everyone who needs it.

2003 saw the creation of the Drugs Intervention Program - a structured process of getting offenders into treatment.

There are a number of different elements to our sector - reducing drugs supply, young people's services, communities and drugs, and providing treatment to substance misusers. These components form the basis of the National Drug Strategy. " There are a range of agencies involved in delivering services: The NHS, Volunteering organisations and Educational establishments.

How will this help me?

Knowing the structure of the sector and the history behind it may help you in your job application. It shows that you have done your research and that you are serious about wanting a career in Substance Misuse.

However, don't feel you need to know the information inside out! This is not a simple sector to understand and you will learn more as you embark on your career in Substance Misuse.

For more information about the Drugs Strategy see the web site below:
http://www.drugs.gov.uk/drug-strategy

For information about the NTA - National Treatment Agency see:
http://www.nta.nhs.uk