scotPHO introduction:
  Alcohol
  Diet & Nutrition
  Drugs
  Key points
  Introduction
  Policy context
  Data
  Data introduction
  Adult illicit drug use
  Children illicit drug use
  Opiate and benzodiazepine misuse
  Health consequences of drug misuse
Social issues
  Treatment for drug misuse
  Key data sources
  References
  Useful links
  Multiple Risk Factors
  Physical Activity
  Sexual Health
  Tobacco Use
Text Only  |  Text Size: A |  A+ |  A++

Drug Misuse: social issues

Social issues reported by those coming into treatment include (ISD 2006):

  • Long term unemployment - 83% of new individuals entering treatment reported that they were unemployed; 71% had been unemployed for more than 1 year or never employed.
  • Accommodation problems - 13% reported that they were in temporary unstable accommodation during 2005/06.
  • Involvement in crime - Just under half (45%) of new individuals entering treatment in 2005/06 said that they had previously been in prison.
  • Living situation - 30% of new individuals entering treatment said they lived alone and 17% reported living with dependent children.