This paper provides a background to current trends in the treatment of drug misuse in the UK. It presents an argument for adopting a client-centred approach empha sising harm minimisation, as a means of reducing the negative impact of drug misuse be haviour on the community, particularly in housing estates. The paper concentrates on opiate misuse as this currently presents the greatest challenge to society in the UK, although the use of cocaine and other stimulants is on the increase.
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