The Crack Report
The Crack Report highlights the extent and growth of crack use in the UK and calls on government and drug treatment agencies to do more to develop services that better meet the complex needs of crack users.
Crack use is rising, and increasing numbers use crack alongside other substances such as heroin and alcohol. There are twice as many crack users as heroin users amongst vulnerable young groups.
The report shows that treatment can be successful, but argues that government must invest more in treatment services to make them more widely available within the community and in the criminal justice system in.
The Crack Report's key recommendations:
- That all treatment services need to be able to meet the needs of crack users. The National Treatment Agency, responsible for overseeing drug treatment services should produce guidelines and model service descriptions setting out exactly what is expected
There should be a training programme for drug treatment workers and related staff such as the police, probation officers, youth offending teams ensuring they are able to deal with crack misuse - There should be further investment in crack-specific provision including residential services. Drug Action Teams should produce plans for tackling crack in their local area
Turning Point and COCA (Conference on Crack and Cocaine) have worked together to produce guidelines for all treatment services to help them ensure they are really meeting the needs of service users. These will be distributed to treatment agencies and professionals.
Read the report:
The Crack Report (opens in new window) pdf (878KB) Published 2006
Protocol and Good Practice Guidance (opens in new window) pdf (125Kb)