Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland's Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035

Joint Foreword

Scotland continues to face levels of alcohol and drug related harm that are simply unacceptable. Every life lost to alcohol and drugs is a tragedy, and behind each statistic is a family and community in grief. Knowing that each loss is preventable puts into stark focus the importance of this work, and why our response must remain rooted in compassion, evidence and human rights.

People’s lives are often complex, and substance use may be just one of the several challenges faced. Many people use substances to cope with distress, trauma and mental health issues. This reinforces the need for coordinated, multi-agency support and underlines the important role of communities in providing connection, belonging and supportive environments. As a joint Scottish Government-COSLA initiative, this Plan will help to strengthen national and local partnership working so that people can receive the right help when and where they need it.

This Plan is grounded in a human rights-based approach, outlined by the Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use, that recognises everyone’s right to health, equality and participation in decisions affecting their lives. At its heart is a renewed pledge to ensure that people and families receive person-centred care. It sets out a broad approach to addressing alcohol and drug harms - spanning prevention and early intervention; harm reduction; treatment and care; and the wider circle of support including services beyond specialist alcohol and drug services, which collectively enable recovery and wellbeing.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to a public health approach to substance use, and are committed to pursuing further evidence-based measures to reduce harm, protect health and save lives.

The Plan builds on the progress achieved in recent years, whilst recognising the scale, complexity and dynamic nature of the challenges we face. Changes in the supply chain of drugs, the emergence of synthetic substances, and cultural trends directly influence the harms experienced, which is why this is designed as an enabling strategy, setting out long-term aims alongside shorter term commitments which will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. This approach is complemented by high-level enforcement activity, led by Police Scotland in partnership with agencies in Scotland, the UK and internationally, to tackle illegal drug supply and disrupt organised crime groups.

We know that wider social and economic conditions, including poverty and inequality contribute to substance use and can make recovery harder to achieve. The Scottish Government and COSLA are committed to creating the conditions that enable people to live longer, healthier lives through upstream action, across the wider determinants of health, as set out in the Population Health Framework.

We are deeply grateful to those who generously shared their experiences and insights to shape the development of this Strategic Plan. While the landscape continues to evolve, our purpose remains constant.

By working collaboratively, maintaining focus and continuing to listen to the voices of those most affected, we can build a Scotland where fewer lives are lost or irreparably harmed by alcohol and drugs, and everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, meaningful connection and hope.

Maree Todd MSP
Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport
Scottish Government

Councillor Paul Kelly
Health and Social Care Spokesperson
COSLA