Residential rehabilitation recommendations: SG response
The Scottish Government response to recommendations from the Future of Residential Rehabilitation Working Group (FRRWG) and Public Health Scotland (PHS) on residential rehabilitation sets out actions to improve access, quality, clinical governance and recovery support. It outlines commitments to strengthen pathways, workforce capability, evidence, monitoring and long-term recovery outcomes.
4. Theme 3: Recovery-Oriented and Holistic Support
This theme reflects that sustainable recovery is supported by more than treatment alone and requires coordinated support throughout the entire recovery journey.
FRRWG Clinical Governance Recommendations
Recommendations 2, 4 and 7
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Strengthen relapse prevention arrangements.
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Improve continuity of care and discharge planning.
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Develop person-centred approaches across rehabilitation pathways.
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Improve connections between residential rehabilitation and community support services.
PHS Evaluation Recommendations
Recommendation 3
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Embed holistic, recovery-oriented support across the entire pathway.
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Improve support before, during and after rehabilitation.
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Address wider determinants of recovery including, housing, mental health, employment and education, family and social relationships, involvement with the justice system, community recovery support and aftercare.
The Scottish Government recognises that sustainable recovery is supported by more than treatment alone. Through the Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan 2026-2035, we are committed to a person-centred, whole-system approach to recovery that recognises the importance of stable housing, positive relationships, good mental health, meaningful activity and access to ongoing support.
We are already taking forward a range of actions to strengthen recovery-oriented support, including investment in recovery communities and community-based recovery support, action to expand recovery housing provision, improved support for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs, and measures to strengthen pathways from justice settings into treatment and recovery. We continue to support Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, local authorities, NHS Boards and third sector organisations to develop integrated approaches that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Building on this work, we will work with national and local partners to strengthen continuity of care throughout the residential rehabilitation pathway, from referral and preparation for rehabilitation through to aftercare and long-term recovery support. This will include improving discharge planning, strengthening relapse prevention and recovery support arrangements, enhancing links between residential rehabilitation services and community-based services, and promoting person-centred approaches that reflect individuals' needs, preferences and recovery goals.
We also recognise the importance of addressing the wider determinants of recovery, including housing, employment, education, family relationships and social inclusion. Through continued collaboration with housing, health, social care and justice partners, we will seek to ensure that individuals accessing residential rehabilitation receive coordinated and holistic support that enables them not only to complete treatment, but to sustain recovery and improve their overall wellbeing over the longer term.