Fewer Scots seeking help for opiate use but other substances on the rise
The proportion of people seeking help for opiate use is falling, while there are increased needs for those with problems involving other substances, a report said.
Public Health Scotland published a benchmarking report examining progress against the national medication assisted treatment (MAT) standards which are part of Scotland’s national mission to tackle drug deaths.
The report noted generally good progress against each of the 10 standards by the alcohol and drug partnerships in each local area.
However it noted a changing “drug scene” where more people are presenting with issues involving a number of substances.
There has been a decreasing caseload of people using opioid substitution therapy – mainly with methadone – going from almost 26,000 in 2021/22 to just over 20,000 in 2024/25.
“This is evidenced in the low caseloads and low referrals for MAT, noting the definition has been restricted to (opioid substitution therapy)”.
Maree Todd, who was appointed minister for drugs policy in First Minister John Swinney’s recent reshuffle, said local drug partnerships have made “commendable strides” in implementing the MAT standards.
“This has been achieved through the efforts of frontline staff and reflects a robust commitment to improving recovery services,” she said.
“The proportion of people seeking help for problem opiate use is falling, while there are increased needs for those impacted by other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine and benzos.
“We have local systems in place to listen and respond to what people using services are telling us.
“Through our £250 million national mission on drugs we are focused on getting more people into the form of treatment which works best for them.
“This report demonstrates areas of good practice, but also some gaps, before everyone, everywhere can benefit from the same level of support.
“We will continue to build on what has been achieved so far, as noted in the report, striving to reduce deaths and improve lives.”