Background and policy information
Drugs continue to have a negative impact on the lives of many Scots, placing a heavy burden on our society. The health, social, economic and criminal justice costs are considerable. There are clear associations between drug use and inequality.
There is growing evidence that levels of drug use and drug-related harm can be positively influenced by a comprehensive and coordinated programme of action on a number of different levels.
'Tackling Drugs in Scotland'
Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership (external link) continues to be the key policy driver for action on drug-related harm in Scotland. It outlines the need for action under 4 key themes as follows:
- Young people – the need for action to help young people resist drugs.
- Communities – the need to protect communities from drug-related harm.
- Treatment – the need for a range of effective treatment options for those experiencing drug-related problems.
- Availability – the need for action on a number of different levels to limit the availability of drugs.
In addition, the need to tackle social exclusion, the need for effective partnership working and the need to base action on accurate information and research are also highlighted as being vitally important if an effective, coordinated programme of action is to be developed.
Annual Drug Misuse Reviews
Annual priorities for action are set out in the Annual Drug Misuse Review by the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse and inform the work of a range of organisations.
At a local level Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (ADATs) continue to be the key vehicle for strategic planning on drug issues and service developments.
This has resulted in a considerable expansion in the range of services available, including the prescribing of methadone and increased social support for individuals affected by drugs, including the families of drug users.