Effective treatment is a necessity in reducing the risks and harms associated with alcohol and other drug use in Canada. However, many Canadians do not have access to the full range of services and supports that comprise an effective treatment continuum. 

Improving the quality, accessibility, and availability of treatment options is a priority under the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada. The report A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada: Recommendations for a National Treatment Strategy was produced by a broadly representative Working Group to address this priority. With funding obtained through Health Canada’s Drug Treatment Funding Program, CCSA is working with partners across Canada to promote the implementation of the report’s recommendations in the following areas:

• Leadership
• Knowledge Exchange
• Promoting a Tiered Model of Services and Supports
• System Monitoring

CCSA continues to improve treatment in Canada through best practice publications and the resource package Competencies for Canada’s Substance Abuse Workforce. It includes both technical and behavioural competencies as well as tools and guides.