Review of drug and alcohol treatment across Lincolnshire

The current contracts – worth about £7 million – with various providers end next year, so the authority is now reassessing them with a view to getting a better service that also offers best value for money.

The council is responsible for the commissioning of substance misuse treatment in the county, and as part of a review of what is currently provided, it is carrying out consultation with people who have used these services in the last few years.

However, it is also interested in learning more from those who have not used these services but have concerns that they, or a friend or family member, should be receiving treatment.

A survey is available to fill in until May 29 here.

Paper copies are available on request – see the website for more information.

The latest figures show that the number of people in treatment for drug and alcohol misuse in Lincolnshire has increased by 21 per cent over the last three years.

Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for public health at the council, said: “We know these services are in demand because of the increase we’ve seen in the uptake.

“However, there are also a lot of people who feel they cannot function normally without drugs or alcohol and have not sought help.

“We need to better understand what the barriers are to people taking those first steps to getting treatment, to shape future services.”