Treatment & Rehabilitation

The integration of treatment services within the context of the National Drugs Strategy relates to the integration of addiction services and the development of appropriate pathways to and from general health service provision.

Priorities of the Treatment & Rehabilitation Pillar:

Development of General Problem Substance Use Services

• Develop an integrated national treatment and rehabilitation service for all substances using a 4-tier model approach underpinned by an appropriate  clinical governance regime
• Maximise operational synergies between Drug Addiction Services, Alcohol Treatment & Rehabilitation Services, General Hospital Services and Mental Health Services
• Expand the availability of detox facilities, opiate substitution services, under-18 services and needle exchange services where required
• Implementing the recommendations of the
  (i) Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation,
  (ii) Report of the Working Group on Residential Treatment & Rehabilitation (Substance Users)

Specific Groups

• Further develop engagement with, and provision of services for, specific groups: Prisoners, Dual Diagnosis clients, Homeless, Travellers, New Communities, LGBTs and Sex Workers

Quality and Standards Framework

• Develop a clinical and organisational governance framework for all treatment and rehabilitation services

Training and Skills Development

• Develop national training standards for all involved in the provision of substance misuse services, and coordinate training provision within a single national substance misuse framework