Introduction
This joint paper from the RCGP and SMMGP considers the future impact of the changing UK commissioning environment on primary care drug and alcohol treatment. It explores ways in which primary care can proactively contribute to the rapidly developing recovery oriented systems of care, by building on its strong legacy of safe, holistic and clinically effective care. Key themes of recovery oriented treatment that are particularly applicable to primary care are considered, with checklists on how to evidence that services are working towards these themes. This may guide primary care drug and alcohol treatment to improve the quality of their systems, provide evidence to commissioners that they are working in a recovery focused way, and also stimulate ideas for local outcome setting.

Conclusion:
Primary care is able to deliver the vision of the UK 2010 Drug Strategy as an integrated part of the local treatment system. Primary care provides ‘added value’ in terms of health interventions, provision of a non-stigmatising community based service, work with families, community groups and its ability to signpost and work with other agencies. Primary care can provide clinical leadership and support to providers and commissioners. , including fulfilling valuable roles within clinical commissioning groups that link with Health and Wellbeing Boards, and the ability to meet wider public health outcomes for local areas.