When a push is not a shove: assertive care, Dutch‐style Available to Purchase

The Dutch are not afraid of getting their hands dirty in order to get things done. Faced with increasing numbers of chaotic drug users with little hope or inclination of contacting services, Dutch treatment services have developed a controversial way of getting normally out‐of‐reach clients into care. Based on a treatment model for care in the community patients, drug and alcohol services are resorting to ‘friendly’ persuasion to get people the help they need. This is a historical perspective on ‘interferential’ care and how it can be applied to treatment in the substance misuse field.