National Mission: annual report 2024-2025
Sets out the progress made between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 by national government, local government and third sector partners towards reducing drug deaths and improving the lives of those impacted by drugs in Scotland.
Ministerial Foreword
As the newly appointed Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport, I am honoured to present this 2024/25 annual report, which reflects the progress made under the National Mission to reduce drug related deaths and harm in Scotland.
This report is not only a record of our achievements but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to saving lives, supporting recovery, and building a more compassionate and effective system of care.
Before I refer to the work of the past year, I want to pay heartfelt tribute to my predecessor, Christina McKelvie, who served as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol from February 2024 until her passing in March 2025. Christina was a tireless advocate for equality, social justice, and the people of Scotland. Her passion, dedication, and leadership left an indelible mark on this mission, and her loss is deeply felt across government, communities, and the many lives she touched. We carry forward her legacy with gratitude and resolve.
The statistics on drug related deaths in Scotland remain a sobering reminder of the scale and urgency of the challenge we face. In 2024, there were 1,017 drug related deaths in Scotland, a decrease of 13% (155 deaths) compared to 2023[PS1] [GA2] . Each of these lives lost is a tragedy, and each one strengthens our determination to do more, to do better, and to ensure that no one is left behind.
Despite ongoing challenges, 2024/25 marked a year of meaningful progress. A key milestone was the December launch of the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use. Recognised by the United Nations as a global first, the Charter affirms the dignity of individuals and families impacted by substance use, empowering them with knowledge of their rights and ensuring they are treated with respect and supported appropriately.
In January 2025, we celebrated the opening of The Thistle, Scotland’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility. This pioneering service is already playing a vital role in reducing harm, preventing deaths, and connecting people with the support they need.
Access to residential rehabilitation has been expanded, with over 1,000 individuals starting a publicly funded placement in 2022/23. In August 2024, we committed additional funding of £2 million per annum through the Additional Placement Fund, enabling Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to support even more people through publicly funded residential rehabilitation placements. This sustained investment underscores our commitment to timely, high-quality recovery support for all who need it.
Implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards continues to progress, with 91% of standards 1–5 fully implemented, signalling more responsive, person-centred services. For standards 6–10, 75% were green and 16% were provisionally green, indicating strong momentum. Together, these results reflect a positive trajectory toward full implementation across services.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our delivery partners, from national agencies to grassroots community organisations, who work tirelessly to provide life-saving services and support. Equally, we recognise the invaluable contributions of the wider workforce across the sector, those behind the scenes and on the front lines, whose collective efforts drive meaningful change every day. Their commitment is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.
As we enter the final year of the National Mission, we are taking stock of what we have learned and looking ahead. Whilst we have been taking decisive actions on alcohol harm in parallel to drugs, such as through uprating MUP, we are now committed to working collaboratively to develop a strategic approach from 2026 onwards - one that recognises the continued harms of both alcohol and drugs together. This will be shaped by the voices of those with lived and living experience, ensuring that our policies and services reflect the realities of the people they are designed to support.
Addressing the harms and tragic loss of life caused by drugs and alcohol is a deeply personal and urgent priority for me. While there are no simple solutions, I am steadfast in my commitment to continue the listening, learning, and working collaboratively to drive meaningful and lasting change.
Maree Todd MSP
Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy and Sport