Drug misuse: policy context
"Policy on drug misuse is mainly devolved to the Scottish Parliament with only several aspects reserved to Westminster....Drug misuse has been identified as a major issue involving a number of devolved responsibilities. As such, drug misuse in Scotland is viewed as a cross-cutting issue requiring a co-ordinated approach across a number of Departments and agencies."
(Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Drug misuse in Scotland: Subject map(120Kb). Devolved Area Series/20. 12 October 1999.)
National Strategy
The new national strategy for drug misuse in Scotland, The Road to Recovery: A New Approach to Tackling Scotland's Drug Problem, 2008 was published in May 2008. It focuses on recovery, looking at treatment and rehabilitations, and also considers enforcement, and protecting children and communities.
The Scottish Government Drug Strategy Website has more information on the five key priorities of the strategy.
Other key policy documents for drug misuse include the following:
Prevention and treatment of substance misuse - Delivering the Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland. (Scottish Executive 2005). A report of a joint working group of the national pharmaceutical forum / Scottish medical and scientific advisory committee.
Hidden Harm
This report by the Scottish Government focuses on children and young people living in substance misusing households, and details actions and initiatives by the Scottish Government and other partners to protect and support them.
Mental Health
Mind the Gaps: Meeting the Needs of People with Co-Occurring Substance Misuse and Mental Health Problems, Scottish Executive (2003).