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What is an alcohol or drug problem?

We use the terms ‘alcohol and drug problems’ to mean the use of alcohol or drugs (substance use) that lead to significant problems or distress for the individual.

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How can I find a suitable care home if I have an alcohol problem?

A care home provides accommodation and round-the-clock personal care for people who are unable to live independently.

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How can I find a suitable care home if I’m using drugs?

People who use drugs have the same right to be cared for in a care home as everyone else provided a local authority assessment demonstrates they meet the criteria for a care home.

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What if I’m being prescribed methadone or buprenorphine?

If you move into a care home, the care home will support you to continue taking medication you are being prescribed, and this is likely to include methadone or buprenorphine.

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What support should I receive if my goal is to stop or greatly reduce my drinking or drug use?

If you are dependent on alcohol or drugs and would like to stop or greatly reduce your drinking or drug use, you should have easy and timely access to a specialist alcohol and drug service in the community or equivalent specialist support in the care home.

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What if I don’t think I’m being treated with dignity and respect?

When people are being cared for in a care home, staff must treat them with dignity and respect at all times.

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What are alcohol or drug problems?

We use the terms ‘alcohol and drug problems’ to mean the use of alcohol or drugs (substance use) that lead to significant problems or distress for the individual.

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What is substance dependence?

In our research, we are particularly concerned with people with alcohol and drug problems who are substance dependent (also known as ‘addicted’) because our previous research suggests that they are at increased risk of poor care in care homes.

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Why don’t you use the terms substance “abuse” or “misuse”?

The terms ‘substance abuse’ and ‘substance misuse’ are being phased out because they are stigmatising and don’t have a precise definition.

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What are the care and support needs of people with alcohol and drug problems?

People experiencing alcohol and drug problems have varying care and support needs, many of which are the same as other people in care homes (e.g. engaging activities and help with personal care) but others relate specifically to substance use.

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What might good care of people with alcohol or drug problems look like in practice?

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If you have any other general questions that you think we should add to this section please get in touch. Please note that we can't answer questions about specific situations.

26th November 2026

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