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Ministers are committed to taking an "innovative" approach to tackling drug and alcohol abuse in Scotland, even if it makes some people "uncomfortable".
Scottish Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said the Scottish Government would commit an additional £ 20 million a year as part of its new strategy.
He warned, "This money should not just produce more of the same thing."
Scotland recorded a record 934 drug-related deaths in 2017, more than double the total recorded in 2007.
At the same time, 8,546 people were admitted to the hospital for addiction, while another 36,235 were linked to alcohol.
More than half (54%) of drug-related admissions and 41% of alcohol admissions involved people from the poorest communities.
The Scottish government's new national strategy to help people with substance abuse problems promises help with broader issues such as housing, mental health and employment.
This approach means that, where appropriate, some drug addicts will not be brought to justice.
Hope to meet you @JoeFitzSNP for the launch of the @gowriecare drug strategy @AddactionScot @DundeeCouncil @NHSTayside pic.twitter.com/gEm1uXfE9U
– Dundee Addaction (@AddactionDundee) November 28, 2018
The new document entitled "Rights, respect and recovery" reaffirms Scottish ministers' support for the creation of a safe drug consumption center, which the Home Office refused to give.
He also announced that a new education program on alcohol and drugs would be developed for schools so that there is "a universal education for use." of substances ".
At present, there are "variations" and "inconsistencies" in existing programs – about 70% of 15-year-olds reported taking clbades or discussing drugs at school.
According to the report, it was also necessary to "go beyond clbadroom interventions" to try to deliver alcohol and drug education in "different and innovative ways" – by offering youth groups and community learning and development programs. .
About 61,500 people between the ages of 15 and 64 are addicts in Scotland, but the report admits that it is "difficult to reliably estimate the extent of problematic alcohol and drug use."
Mr. FitzPatrick said, "Improving the way we support people who are victims of drugs and alcohol is one of the most difficult and complex issues we face.
"But I am convinced that health problems and deaths from substance abuse are preventable and that we must do everything in our power to prevent them.
"It involves treating people and all their complex needs, not just addiction, fighting inequities and trauma related to addiction, and intervening early to prevent those at risk."
He added, "We support this strategy with an additional £ 20 million a year, in addition to our significant investments in drug prevention and treatment.
"We want to see innovative approaches, based on evidence, regardless of whether it makes people feel uncomfortable. This money should not just produce more of the same thing. "
The ministers of Holyrood published their new strategy a few days after the Scottish Conservatives had come up with a plan for a major overhaul of drug treatment services, including proposals to allow first-time offenders to evade a criminal record.
The Conservatives also want personalized "life plans" to be developed for all those seeking help, as well as badyzes of all drug-related deaths.
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