This briefing describes the work of St Mungo’s with regard to drug use among homeless people.

This study found that the separation of private and commercial sex and not having problematic drug use as a principle motivation for sex work were crucial factors for successfully leaving sex work and stopping drug use.

This guide provides an overview of the issues relating to prostitution and problematic drug misuse; outlines how current criminal and civil powers can be used with those involved in prostitution who are problematic drug misusers and how to deal with drug and sex markets; describes the types of support and services that those involved in prostitution require; and provides good practice advice on addressing drug and sex markets.

This report summary presents the findings of a one-year study into the Capital Care Project, an arrest referral scheme based in Kings Cross, London. The project refers women sex workers to treatment services with the aim of breaking the cycle of repeat offending and drug use. The summary describes the progress of the project and some of its findings, and includes a list of good practice points.

This report finds that in order to develop and provide long-term, holistic, exit services, a significant number of instantly available, single sex drug treatment places need to be established with central Government funding. Within projects in London there is also a lack of focus on primary prevention strategies, often due to lack of funding and resources. Research shows that putting resources into preventing domestic violence, for example, would be far more cost effective than dealing with the aftermath.

The aims of this study were: to identify typical treatment careers of female drug-using sex workers who remain in treatment for over three months; to investigate the effects of treatment on their substance use, criminality, social functioning, and psychological and physical health; to investigate how effective these interventions are; and to investigate what further research should be carried out.