Improvements to drug treatment in Scotland

Changes in response to independent review on opioid replacements.

Changes aimed at improving the quality and range of drug treatment services across the country were announced in the Scottish Parliament today.

Minister for Community Safety, Roseanna Cunningham, and Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, announced the changes in response to the recommendations of an independent group commissioned by the Scottish Government to gather evidence on opioid replacement therapies (ORT) for people with drug problems.

The group’s report, published in August, concluded that ORT, in particular methadone, is supported by a strong evidence base and its use should continue. However, it also concluded that ORT, where prescribed, should be one of a full range of treatment options across the country ranging from community to residential rehabilitation, and services should become more aspirational in relation to supporting individuals’ recovery.

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