Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Alcohol treatment is effective and cost-efficient, yet only a small minority access it.
Conclusion
There is convincing evidence that alcohol treatment services are accessible, successful, and cost effective. As the NAO’s report sets out, data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System show that around 60% of those leaving treatment for problems with alcohol (and no other substance) do so having successfully completed treatment and that 98% of patients start treatment within 3 weeks of a referral.32 In 2018 guidance to local commissioners, providers and healthcare professionals, making the case for investment in drug and alcohol treatment services, Public Health England advised that alcohol treatment would deliver £3 return on investment for every £1 invested, totalling £26 over 10 years.33 Despite this, government analysis shows that only 18% of dependent drinkers in England are in treatment.34