The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS) has successfully piloted the UK's only active Diploma in Adult Social Care with Substance Misuse.

Emily Holliday and Nicola Brown have become the inaugural graduates of this groundbreaking qualification.

This innovative diploma addresses a crucial gap in the recovery sector by providing specialised education for professionals working in substance misuse treatment. Combining core adult health and social care elements with focused substance misuse modules, the programme equips graduates with comprehensive skills to support individuals facing challenges with substance misuse.

The Diploma has enabled Emily Holliday, previously an Education Liaison Worker to secure a promotion to Substance Misuse Case Manager. Read more about Emily and her Diploma journey here

Nicola Brown, a Case Manager in Doncaster, praised the Diploma for enhancing her knowledge and skills, which she can now apply to benefit both clients and her team. Read more about Nicolas experience here

The success of this pilot programme demonstrates ADS's commitment to professionalising the recovery workforce and setting new standards for training in the field. As the organisation refines the Diploma, it aims to make a significant impact on substance misuse treatment practices across the UK.

Diploma in Substance Misuse - Course Outline
The comprehensive curriculum includes:

• Mandatory Units: Covering essential topics such as duty of care, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, and promoting person-centred approaches in care settings.
• Substance Misuse Specific Units: Focusing on supporting individuals with substance misuse issues, risk assessment, comprehensive assessments, and increasing awareness about drugs and alcohol.
• Specialisation Modules: Offering advanced training in areas like working with families, criminal justice settings, therapeutic group work, and medical settings related to substance misuse.

Laura Jarvis, Senior Development Manager at ADS, led the development of this new accredited professional qualification. She highlights the diploma's innovative nature: "This diploma is a game-changer for the recovery sector. It equips professionals with both the foundational knowledge of health and social care and the specialised skills needed to effectively support individuals with substance misuse issues."
Read more about our specialist Training service Generis here