In each local authority area, a commissioner with responsibility for specialist substance misuse will specify and commission a range of drug treatment services based on a needs assessment. Within any local drug treatment system, we would expect appropriate specialist treatment provision for people whose primary problem is cannabis, as well as for those people whose primary problem is with another drug who also experience problems with cannabis use.
The latest evidence-based approaches to treating problematic cannabis use in both adults and young people are outlined in the recently updated clinical guidelines, “Clinical Guidelines on drug misuse and dependence (2007)”, and within the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines on psychosocial interventions in drug misuse1. There is an expectation that treatment provided will be in line with these guidelines.
Information for young people and their families/carers is also available through Frank, the Government’s drugs information campaign launched in May 2003. Frank provides a 24-hour a day helpline staffed by a team of trained advisers who can provide information and advice on any issue relating to drugs, including cannabis, as well as making referrals to local agencies when a caller requires face-to-face help and support. Frank also provides a website, talktofrank.com, which is a comprehensive source of information and advice on drugs.
1 NICE clinical guideline 51—drug misuse: psychosocial interventions.