Rights and responsibilities

A drug service user has both rights and responsibilities. The service provider has an obligation to make each of these explicit to the service user.

Service users' charter on rights and responsibilities

A service user has the right to:

Assessment of individual need (within a specified number of working days)
Access to specialist services (within a maximum waiting time). And the right of immediate access on release from prison
Full information about treatment options and informed involvement in making decisions concerning treatment
An individual care plan and participation in the writing and reviewing of that care plan
Respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality, and an explanation of any (exceptional) circumstances in which information will be divulged to others
The development of service user agreement, specifying clearly the type of service to be delivered and the expected quality standards
The development of advocacy
An effective complaints system
Information about self-help groups and user advocacy groups

A service user’s responsibilities to the service provider includes

Observing “house rules” and behavioural rules, as defined by the service (e.g. not using alcohol or drugs
Specific responsibilities within the framework of a care plan or treatment contract (e.g. keeping appointment times and observing medication regimes)

SCODA (Standing Conference on Drug Abuse)