Policy briefs

We undertake priority evidence syntheses which have a direct impact on decision-making, patient and client care, reducing inequalities and identifying future research needs.

To support decision-making across health, public health and social care in all four nations of the UK we report our findings from selected research as policy briefs.

Executive summary 

Community-based drug and alcohol treatment orders have the potential to support recovery and provide an alternative to imprisonment, but their effectiveness depends heavily on how they are designed and delivered. Current evidence does not demonstrate clear health and wellbeing benefits, while qualitative evidence highlights both opportunities and risks. Future policy should: 

  • prioritise the routine collection of relevant outcomes, and  
  • prioritise treatment orders which are person-centred, trauma-informed, and integrated with approaches that address the wider social circumstances affecting recovery and rehabilitation. 

You can read the full brief below:


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