Scotland has some of the highest drug and alcohol related death rates in the UK and Europe. Everyone deserves the right care and support for them. This belief drives our person-centred, holistic and trauma-informed approaches.
The classification and control of ‘controlled drugs’ in the United Kingdom is reserved to the UK Government under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Our Programme for Government (September 2024) sets its focus on areas of work that relate directly to our aim to reduce deaths and harms from drugs and alcohol. Backed by a clear, evidence-based plan, we’re aligning resources and services to drive real change
Public health alert: There is an increase in new types of synthetic opioid drugs called nitazenes in the drug supply, that pose a substantial risk of overdose and death. Find more information and latest RADAR alerts on the Public Health Scotland website.
Actions
We are:
- working to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol and reduce the harms caused
- building on the implementation of a Minimum Unit Price to reduce alcohol-related harm by making alcohol less affordable
- delivering the National Mission on Drugs, to reduce deaths and improve lives of people and communities impacted by drugs
- continuing to invest in person centred approaches via prevention education in schools, involving families, reducing stigma and creating pathways from justice settings back into the community
- working together with our partners in local government, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), statutory services and the third sector
Background
Alcohol background
Alcohol consumption has been identified as a risk factor for over 200 diseases (including the leading causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and cancers), injuries, and health conditions. It is also linked to wider social issues such as domestic violence and economic losses.
We published the Alcohol Framework 2018: Preventing Harm, which set our national prevention aims on alcohol. This was complemented by Rights, Respect and Recovery (November 2018). This set out our vision where people have the right to life free from the harms of alcohol and drugs, are treated with dignity and respect, and are fully supported within communities to find their own type of recovery.
We are working to ensure that people with alcohol use dependency receive the same quality of care and support as people with drug use dependency.
Drugs background
We published Rights, Respect and Recovery in 2018, our alcohol and drug treatment strategy.
In January 2021, the former First Minister announced a new National Mission to reduce drug deaths and harms supported by an additional £250 million funding between 2021 to 2026.
The National Mission on Drug Deaths plan was published in August 2022. The aim of the National Mission is to reduce deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by drugs.
A National Mission Oversight Group was established in June 2022 to provide challenge, scrutiny and advice to the Scottish Government and the wider sector.
In July 2022, the Drug Deaths Taskforce, established in 2019, published its final report Changing Lives representing the culmination of three years' work. The report made 139 recommendations for government to take forward.
We published the Drug Deaths Taskforce response: cross government approach (January 2023), responding to the recommendations with a holistic approach, requiring the support of areas across government, including mental health, housing, employment and justice.
The National Mission Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) was established in June 2023 to provide clinical expertise on the Mission and to support policy decisions.
Alcohol and drugs support
More information on the health risks of alcohol and tips on cutting down can be found on the NHS inform website.
Drinkline Helpline Scotland provides advice for anyone who is worried about their own or someone else’s drinking. Call 08007314314.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs is a national charity that support families across Scotland who are affected by a loved one’s substance use and raise awareness of the issues affecting them.
With You offer a live chat service seven days a week to speak about drugs, alcohol or mental health.
Information on drugs and drug use is available on the NHS inform website.
The Scottish Drugs Forum is a charity that advocates for evidence-informed harm reduction approaches and has a directory of drug services on their website.
Know the Score offer drugs information and advice. Call 0800 587 5879 for free, confidential information and advice.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity that support families across Scotland who are affected by a loved one’s substance use and raise awareness of the issues affecting them.
Crew offers professional training and Nightlife Harm Reduction services nationally; a Drop-in based in the city centre of Edinburgh in addition to a free person-centred counselling service.
With You offer a live chat service seven days a week to speak about drugs, alcohol or mental health.
Bills and legislation
The classification and control of ‘controlled drugs’ in the United Kingdom is reserved to the UK Government under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The Alcohol (Minimum Price per Unit) (Scotland) Order 2018 came into force on 1 May 2018. The Order specifies the minimum price per unit for alcohol (50 pence).
The Alcohol Minimum Pricing Scotland Act 2012 was passed in June 2012 and paved the way for the introduction of a preferred minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol.
The Alcohol (Scotland) Act 2010 put into law a ban on multi-buy discounts such as ‘three for two’ or ‘25 per cent off when you buy six’.
The main piece of legislation that controls the sale of alcohol is the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
Contact
Email: Central Enquiries Unit ceu@gov.scot
Post:
Alcohol and Drugs Team
Scottish Government
3E, St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG