RCPsych responds to new ten year Drug Strategy

Statement / comment
07 December 2021

The government's ten year Drug Strategy aims to tackle drugs and prevent crime and is backed by increased funding for treatment services.

Responding to the Strategy, Professor Julia Sinclair, Chair of the Addictions Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

"Action to support the treatment of addiction as a long-term illness is extremely welcome. The additional £780m investment will significantly expand access and strengthen drug treatment services which have experienced years of cuts.
"Chronic staff shortages and a disconnect between services have led to many patients not getting the life-saving care they desperately need. It’s encouraging to see that rebuilding the workforce and ensuring better integration of mental health and addiction services are being prioritised within the 10-year strategy.
"We look forward to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to secure the workforce needed to deliver high-quality, comprehensive and humane addiction treatment.”

For further information, please contact: