Three levels of drug services exist ranging from the general to the highly specialised:

• Services for a wide range of drug users.
• Specialised services: drug dependency treatment and HIV services.
• Rehabilitation and in–patient detoxification.

A person has to want help to address their drug use or otherwise the treatment will not have a successful outcome. This is a key issue that will impact on the success of any government initiative to direct individuals into treatment as a result of involvement with the criminal justice system.

What kind of help an individual wants will also influence which type of drug service they access. Not all drug users will see their drug use as problematic or want to achieve abstinence. Many users, particularly more recreational users may want information and advice on harm reduction, and this will influence the service they may choose to access.

Individuals will also differ in terms of what they perceive to be their biggest problem and/or need. Many drug users may feel that they need support around issues such as financial, benefits, work, legal, housing, social, welfare, physical, mental, emotional, sexual health etc, rather than their drug use per se, which they may not consider to be a problem or their biggest problem.

The background of drug workers can also vary hugely, from those who are trained social workers, counsellors and nurses, through to ex-users who have no professional qualifications. This may impact on the philosophy of the agency and the services that are offered. In inner city areas drug and alcohol projects tend to be separate, but in other areas one agency may provide a service for both drug and alcohol-using clients.