The NDTMS is a secure data collection system used by NHS England to monitor the outcomes of drug and alcohol treatment across the country. This helps identify trends, measure effectiveness and improve services for everyone.
What Information Is Shared?
If you access certain Early Break services that are part of this national monitoring programme, we may collect and submit the following anonymised or pseudonymised data to NDTMS:
Age, gender and area of residence
Types of treatment or support received
Outcomes of your support journey
Basic demographic information
Date of referral and treatment start/end points
Your name or direct contact details are never included in the data sent to NDTMS.
How Is Consent Managed?
We believe in full transparency. If you're referred into an Early Break service that contributes to NDTMS data:
You will be clearly informed about what data may be collected
You’ll be asked to provide informed consent before any information is shared
You can ask questions at any time about how your data is used
Choosing not to consent will not affect your right to access support
Why Is This Important?
NDTMS helps national services:
Understand how treatment services are being used
Monitor patterns of substance use across different regions
Improve funding decisions and policy-making
Ensure young people and families receive consistent, high-quality care
Your contribution supports a better future for others needing similar help.
Where Can I Learn More?
You can read more about the NDTMS data standards and processes here:
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) - NHS
If you have questions about how your data may be used or would like to see what information we hold, please use our online contact form or telephone us.
Policies
Early Break and NDTMS
At Early Break, we are committed to delivering high-quality support that is safe, effective and accountable. As part of this commitment, some of our services participate in national data monitoring through the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS).