The Alliance is a user led organisation which provides advocacy, training and helpline services to those currently in drug or alcohol treatment, those who have accessed treatment in the past and those who may access treatment in the future.

Its priorities are:

• To support the right of people to be directly involved in all decisions relating to their care
• To provide accurate advice and information on the rights of people receiving treatment
• To advocate on behalf of people receiving, in their opinion, inappropriate care
• To lobby for effective prescribing practices including, where appropriate, drugs of choice
• To offer a supported structure through which drug and alcohol users can lobby effectively
• To promote harm-reduction
• To provide volunteer and employment opportunities for drug and alcohol users
• To play a key role in research and education on drug and alcohol use and treatment issues

The Alliance actively promotes the participation and involvement of drug and alcohol users in its work. Service users and professionals work together as equals in a unique initiative to give drug and alcohol users a real voice.