National Mission on Drugs: annual report 2025 to 2026

Ministerial Foreword

As Scotland’s National Mission on Drugs concludes, this report provides an opportunity to reflect on the work done in its final year and, importantly, on the collective effort that has underpinned the Mission since 2021.

The National Mission was established in response to a public health emergency that had already claimed far too many lives. Throughout the last five years, we have worked alongside local government, Health and Social Care Partnerships, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, third sector organisations, frontline staff, researchers, and most importantly people with lived and living experience and their families, to reduce harms, improve services and save lives. I would like once again to thank everyone who has contributed to the National Mission. In particular, I want to acknowledge the dedication of frontline staff, the commitment of partners across Scotland, and the expertise, courage and leadership of people with lived and living experience and their families. Their voices have helped shape a more compassionate and person-centred response.

Over the past year, work has continued to strengthen treatment and recovery services, expand harm reduction measures, improve support for children and families, and embed human rights, dignity and compassion at the heart of our approach. Important developments have included the continued implementation of Medication Assisted Treatment Standards, further expansion of residential rehabilitation capacity and access, and ongoing developments in harm reduction initiatives including drug checking services and Scotland’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility.

As we reflect on what has been achieved, we must also remember why this work began. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community affected by loss, trauma and grief. While this report highlights areas where progress has been made, alcohol and drug-related harm continues to have a profound impact across Scotland. Too many lives are still being lost, and too many people continue to face significant barriers to accessing the support they need.

The changing nature of the drug supply presents new and significant risks. The growing presence of highly potent synthetic substances, including nitazenes, is a stark reminder that our response must continue to evolve. Investment in surveillance, early warning systems and rapid responses to emerging threats has therefore become increasingly important and will remain so in the years ahead.

The National Mission may now have concluded, but our resolve for action has not. In March 2026, we published Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan 2026-2035. Jointly developed with COSLA and informed by partners and people with experience of substance use, as well as lessons learned from the National Mission, the Strategic Plan provides a shared long-term vision for Scotland. It sets out how we will continue to prevent harm, support recovery, and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities in the years ahead.

My call to all those involved is simple: keep people at the centre of everything we do. Continue to challenge stigma, uphold rights, embrace innovation, and use evidence to drive improvement. Above all, continue to act with urgency, compassion and determination. Together, we can build on the progress made through the National Mission and create a Scotland where fewer people experience alcohol and drug-related harm, where more people, their families and communities feel supported in a way that works for them, and every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling and hopeful life.

Maree Todd MSP

Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs