CARES is a Scottish based multi-disciplinary academic centre, integrating clinical, basic and social scientists, with the aim of delivering the highest quality healthcare and improving health outcomes to individuals and the Scottish community through the development of research and education in the field of drug, alcohol and tobacco dependence. We are currently developing a close association with the East Central Scotland Addiction Services (ECSAS) Managed Care Network (MCN) giving CARES access to a mixed urban/rural population of over 1 million, served by three NHS Boards, each of which are supportive of clinical academics.