Aftercare is a holistic package of support put into place following completion of structured drug treatment based in the community or in a prison setting. Aftercare services deliver, or broker the provision of, a comprehensive range of flexible community-based support and activities in relation to the needs and goals identified in an individual's aftercare plan. The aim of aftercare is to ensure that treatment gains are sustained and to assist individuals in community reintegration.

During a period of care planned treatment, the service user will receive a range of interventions to address drug and alcohol use and related behaviours, and non drug related interventions to address generic needs. Some of these interventions will come to an end when the care plan ends but some may need to continue. At the completion or exit phase of treatment an aftercare plan is devised by the service user and the aftercare service and, where possible, the treatment provider.

The aftercare plan will include a range of activities to improve psychological and physical health and social functioning. It will also allow for rapid access back into the treatment system if necessary. All aftercare interventions aim to encourage users to continue to make positive lifestyle changes.

Aftercare includes drug interventions, such as relapse prevention, specialist blood borne virus services, counselling and harm reduction. Peer support is a crucial element of aftercare, and includes Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, peer mentoring and other peer led activities. Aftercare also includes generic support, such as housing advice, social welfare, and routes into education and employment. It may include assistance with basic numeracy and literacy skills, interview techniques and CV writing.

A 3 year national research programme into aftercare was commissioned by the Department of Health in 2004. For information on this please visit:
www.addaction.org.uk

Following an independent review and stakeholder consultation, Oxfordshire DAAT is in the process of commissioning a new county-wide aftercare service. The contract for the new service will be awarded in September 2006. The Service will offer clear schedules of defined activities, alongside detached and/or peripatetic services. It will have a base in Oxford City and will provide an IT and Resource Suite. Service users can self refer to the aftercare service or be referred by another agency.

For further information and contact details of aftercare service providers please contact the DAAT office on 01865 290800.

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