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Abstract
Being connected with an international journal has many interesting aspects. One is that people who are, and, perhaps more importantly, are not directly associated with specialist organizations (such as the Association for Nurses in Substance Abuse) often telephone for information, support or guidance concerning how to deal with problems associated with drug and alcohol use. It seems to have become increasingly difficult for nurses to access support and advice in this area of work. It is hard to understand why the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), with over 320,000 registered nurse members, appears to have marginalized drug and alcohol issues. Having one committee member within the RCN Forum for the Development of Mental Health is hardly representative of the extent and nature of the problems associated with alcohol and drug use, or the continued need for education and training required in this area by the nursing profession. Who will monitor the English National Board recommendation that education on alcohol and drug use should be included in pre- and post-basic training?