| PUBLICATIONS < back to Our reports and findings Reports are only available as downloads and cannot be ordered in hard copy. The views and conclusions of reports commissioned by UKDPC are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Commission. WORKING TOWARDS RECOVERY Getting problem drug users into jobs Studies have shown that up to 80% of problem drug users (PDUs) are unemployed, yet work has been shown to be an important component of rehabilitation and reintegration into society, reducing the likelihood of relapse. More PDUs in work should mean more people successfully achieving recovery and exiting treatment, and a reduction in crime. PDUs on welfare benefits also cost the UK many tens of millions of pounds. Perhaps more importantly, most unemployed PDUs want to work and recognise its significance for building a ‘normal’ life. Once in work, recovering PDUs have been found to be good employees. It can be a significant and long-term challenge to get some PDUs ‘fit for the job’. Many will have a range of ‘primary needs’ such as poor physical and mental health and suitable accommodation, which need to be addressed at an early stage. Many employers are extremely reluctant to recruit PDUs, even those who have the right competencies for the job. The ‘two years drug free’ rule which is sometimes applied is arbitrary and creates a significant barrier to rehabilitation for PDUs who are stable, on substitute medication or otherwise, before reaching that time period. However, employment opportunities can be increased by enabling employers to manage the perceived risks and addressing the stigma that is ass ociated with problem drug use. The review reaches a wide range of conclusions on getting problem drug users ‘fit for the job’ and addressing employers’ concerns. It also raises the possibility of more radical measures such as legal protection and small financial incentives for employers. Film to accompany the review [new web page] BACKGROUND PAPERS TO INFORM ‘WORKING TOWARDS RECOVERY’ To help inform our report we commissioned the University of Manchester to carry out some research. This is presented in two parts. Part One examines social security and relevant aspects of employment law and policy, and Part Two uses desk research, qualitative interviews and a survey of employers to focus on barriers to employment and on effective support structures and mechanisms. TACKLING DRUG MARKETS AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS IN THE UK A review of the recent literature Summary of report findings:
REDUCING DRUG USE, REDUCING REOFFENDING (MARCH 2008) Are programmes for problem drug-using offenders in the UK supported by the evidence? Summary of report findings:
drug courts; community sentences such as DTTOs and DRRs; prison-based therapeutic communities; opioid detoxification and methadone maintenance within prisons and the community; and the RAPt 12-step abstinence-based programme. There are no evaluations of the effectiveness of: CARAT interventions; drug-free wings; programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapy, such as short-duration programmes and ASRO (Addressing Substance Related Offending) programmes; conditional cautions; diversion from prosecution schemes; and Intervention Orders. There is mixed evidence for: Criminal Justice Integrated Teams; Restrictions on Bail; and the added value of drug testing as part of a community order. BACKGROUND PAPERS TO INFORM 'REDUCING DRUG USE, REDUCING REOFFENDING' To help inform our report we commissioned the Institute for Criminal Policy Research (ICPR) at King’s College London to review the international evidence and their peer-reviewed report is available below. We also consulted with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, p ractitioners and service users and a summary of their feedback has been compiled into a short paper. AN ANALYSIS OF UK DRUG POLICY (APRIL 2007) Summary of report findings:
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