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1 of 1 |
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Title: |
Adult family members and carers of dependent drug users: prevalence, social cost, resource savings and treatment responses |
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London: UK Drug Policy Commission, 2009. 53p., bibliog. |
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Abstract: |
The authors believe that this study is the first attempt in the UK at both estimating the numbers of adult family members with a drug using relative and calculating levels of cost and cost-saving brought about by the impact of the problem on families and the care that they provide to their relatives. The study looks at the importance of families for people with drug problems, estimating the number of family members affected, costing the impact on families and the value of families' support, and delivering improved support for families of problem drug users. A model for estimating prevalence of adult family members affected by drug use is presented and then applied to existing data and the findings discussed, a model for estimating the total social costs and resource savings to the NHS and local authorities that emerge from the care and support that family members provide to drug using relatives is presented, a summary of effective interventions for family members is provided and conclusions and recommendations are set out. It is estimated that in the UK nearly 1.5 million adults will be significantly affected by a relative's drug use, that the cost of the resulting harms they experience is about £1.8 billion per year, and that the support they provide would cost the NHS or local authorities about £750 million to provide if it were not available. The authors conclude that the evidence in this report suggests that policymakers need to reframe and reflect upon the negative aspects of the hidden economic costs and consider how this could be turned to advantage by embracing family interventions and family support much more fully. |
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book; |
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Topics: |
carers; costs; drug misuse; families; financial management; social care provision; social policy; treatment; |
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www.scie-socialcareonline.co.uk/profile.asp?guid=a9bd305b-fbdb-4468-95d6-a0100c70d838 |
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