This report details the treatment philosophy and recommendations of the South Eastern Health Board's Regional Treatment and Rehabilitation Working Group. The Working Group's philosophy places strong emphasis on community-based treatment and follow up services to ensure stabilisation. It is also suggested that services must be delivered in a manner which does not stigmatise young people. Services that are medicalised or problem focused should be avoided as young people will not be drawn to them.

The group's recommendations include: the creation of a Substance Misuse Unit to be established in each Community Care area; the development of outreach services to target at risk clients; the establishment of one stop shops where different services are represented; the development of uniform client assessment for all drug services in the South East. Further, it is recommended that that existing counsellors who are not members of the I.A.C.T. or I.A.A.A.C. should be supported in achieving accreditation, and that the difficulties in accessing treatment for drug users who are homeless, in prostitution or pregnant be addressed.