ASA Publishes Industry Guidance: Ensuring Clarity in Addiction Treatment Referral Advertising

The Ethical Marketing Campaign for Addiction Treatment (EMCAT) has been working to address misleading advertising practices in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation referral market. In response to concerns raised by EMCAT, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) conducted investigations that revealed significant transparency issues within the sector—issues that could mislead vulnerable individuals and their families at a critical time.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, the ASA issued eight rulings highlighting problematic advertising practices, particularly among referral services that failed to clearly communicate their role. These rulings serve as a vital reminder for advertisers to ensure clarity, honesty, and compliance in their marketing.

https://www.asa.org.uk/news/clarity-for-ads-in-the-addiction-treatment-referral-sector.html