It serves as an advisory body to the Minister of Social Development for a period of five years. Its functions are to give effect to the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP), advise the Minister on any matter affecting the abuse of drugs referred to the CDA by the Minister for advice and may advise the Minister on any matter on which the CDA considers it necessary and it may plan, co-ordinate and promote measures relating to the prevention and combating of the abuse of drugs and the treatment of persons dependent on drugs in accordance with the National Drug Master Plan. The CDA also arranges conferences/summits relating to the combating of substance abuse in South Africa. It oversees and monitors the anti substance abuse activities of the 16 national departments and entities. It also ensures that there is effective liaison between the Provincial Substance Abuse Forums and the Local Drug Action Committees.