Advancing Addiction Practice Through Collaboration, Education, Research, and Knowledge Exchange
ISSUP UK is the United Kingdom National Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), hosted and led by Addiction Professionals in partnership with Adfam and the University of East London.
Bringing together expertise from professional practice, family support, research, and education, ISSUP UK is committed to strengthening the UK substance use workforce and improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use.
As part of the wider ISSUP global network, ISSUP UK supports professionals, organisations, researchers, policymakers, students, volunteers, and people with lived and living experience through opportunities for learning, collaboration, professional development, and international knowledge exchange.
The ISSUP UK Partnership
ISSUP UK is hosted and led by Addiction Professionals, in partnership with Adfam and the University of East London. Together, the consortium combines expertise in workforce development, family support, research, education, and knowledge exchange.
Addiction Professionals is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting the addiction workforce through professional development, accreditation, education, networking, and resources.
As the host organisation and lead partner for ISSUP UK, Addiction Professionals provides strategic leadership for the National Chapter, coordinates its activities, and supports workforce development initiatives across the substance use sector.
Adfam is the national charity supporting families affected by alcohol, drug use, and gambling. Adfam brings extensive expertise in family support, advocacy, and policy, ensuring that family experiences remain central to discussions around substance use and recovery.
The University of East London contributes research, education, and academic expertise through the Department of Psychology and Human Development. UEL supports evidence-informed practice, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange between academia and frontline services.
Our Aims
ISSUP UK seeks to:
- Strengthen collaboration across the UK substance use sector
- Promote evidence-informed practice
- Support workforce development and professional learning
- Facilitate national and international knowledge exchang
- Connect professionals with global expertise and innovation
- Increase access to research, training, and educational resources
- Create opportunities for networking, leadership, and collaboration
- Support better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use
Who is ISSUP UK For?
ISSUP UK welcomes anyone involved in addressing substance use, including:
- Addiction practitioners
- Health and treatment professionals
- Recovery workers
- Prevention practitioners
- Researchers and academics
- Students and trainees
- Policymakers
- Family support practitioners
- Community organisations
- Youth workers
- Volunteers
- People with lived and living experience
Through ISSUP UK, members can access:
- ISSUP webinars and international events
- Addiction Professionals CPD opportunities
- Addiction Professionals Accreditation pathways
- Research and knowledge exchange activities
- Family support resources from Adfam
- Workforce development initiatives
- Communities of practice
- International networking opportunities
- Learning resources from the wider ISSUP network
We warmly welcome new members to join ISSUP UK and become part of a growing community committed to improving responses to substance use through collaboration, learning, and evidence-informed practice.
ISSUP Membership is Free.
Join the global ISSUP community and connect with professionals across the UK and around the world.