Home
Public

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »
Staff

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed erat odio, iaculis faucibus scelerisque sed, aliquet et nunc.

Read More »
Research
Latest
Resources
Contact

Latest news, views and stories

{Category}

28th April 2026

Conversation starter kit

Alcohol Change UK have published a conversation starter kit, to help care home residents express their wishes and concerns about alcohol and scenario cards to help care home staff plan to manage alcohol issues

Read More »

{Category}

26th March 2026

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididun

Read More »

{Category}

18th March 2026

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididun

Read More »

{Category}

12th February 2026

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididun

Read More »

{Category}

31st January 2026

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididun

Read More »

{Category}

15th January 2026

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet lorem

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididun

Read More »

Survey