The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS)

The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number 1108595) dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with substance misuse. Established in 1985, ADS has over 35 years of experience in providing specialist services aimed at helping people overcome alcohol and drug dependency.

History and Mission

Since its founding, ADS has developed a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding substance misuse through direct engagement with affected individuals. Its mission emphasizes personalized support and partnership working, recognizing that effective solutions require listening closely to each person’s unique circumstances and goals. The organization operates with a commitment to tailoring interventions that suit the diverse needs of its service users.

Services and Impact

ADS offers a range of treatment and recovery services designed to promote sustained abstinence and improve quality of life for people affected by alcohol and drug problems. Over the years, the organization has achieved significant outcomes, including an average of 14 individuals per week successfully leaving the service substance-free and not returning to treatment.

Performance metrics highlight the effectiveness of ADS’s programs, with approximately 52% of all service users making substantial progress during their engagement, and up to 68% progress rates in the organization’s highest performing service. In addition to direct client work, ADS provides training through its Generis program, which in 2023 trained over 1,000 individuals from various statutory and commercial organizations, receiving excellent satisfaction scores.

Approach

The foundation of ADS’s approach is partnership and personalization. By combining professional expertise with a respectful, listening stance, the charity works collaboratively with individuals and organizations to create recovery pathways that are flexible and accessible. The charity's philosophy acknowledges that no two people or organizations are alike, thus requiring bespoke solutions based on informed dialogue.

Recognition and Community Role

With decades of experience, ADS is recognized for its contribution to the substance misuse field in the UK. Its training and educational efforts extend beyond direct service users to a wider audience of professionals and stakeholders, reinforcing its role as a knowledge leader and community resource in alcohol and drug support.

This article summarizes the key aspects and contributions of The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) based on publicly available information about its history, mission, activities, and impact.

[1] https://ads-uk.org/about-us [2] https://ads-uk.org [3] https://www.alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk/about [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019960/ [5] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/from-harm-to-hope-a-10-year-drugs-plan-to-cut-crime-and-save-lives/from-harm-to-hope-a-10-year-drugs-plan-to-cut-crime-and-save-lives