Independent Review advocates bold, new vision for drug addiction and recovery

PRESS RELEASE

The second part of Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review of Drugs has been published, making radical recommendations for drug treatment, recovery and prevention and powerfully putting forward the case for political leadership and a significant uplift in protected investment.

Responding to the Review, Collective Voice Director Oliver Standing said:

“Dame Carol’s Review offers a compassionate and compelling vision of a brighter future and is to be welcomed. The time for political action is now. Following years of disinvestment and a lack of political leadership, we are now experiencing a drug deaths crisis. We implore the new Health Secretary to urgently respond to the report’s recommendations, to reduce the harms caused by drug use, stem the flow of deaths and enable thousands more citizens – and their families – to recover.

Real impact requires real investment and a focussed inter-departmental approach. The major uplift in funding Dame Carol calls for is essential, as is bringing together the relevant departments together under a single policy and accountability framework.

As a sector, we stand ready to work together with government and wider partners – both local and national – to make the most of this vital opportunity. The hundreds of thousands of people touched by addiction in this country are counting on us all to get this right.”

The full report can be read here.

The first part of Dame Carol’s Review, focussed on drugs markets, can be read here.

Please contact oliver@collectivevoice.org.uk if you have any further questions about the Review and its implications for substance misuse treatment and recovery services.

A charity leader, local government commissioner, and someone with personal experience of treatment and recovery are also available for comment.

Notes:

Collective Voice is the national alliance of drug and alcohol treatment charities.