Alcohol and drugs strategic plan: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment summary

Summary of assessment findings

This assessment considers how the Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan (2026–2035) will reduce inequalities of outcome caused by socioeconomic disadvantage.

Evidence shows that alcohol and drug related harms are significantly higher in Scotland’s most deprived communities. The Plan sets a strategic, rights‑based direction focused on prevention, harm reduction, improved treatment, and strengthened wider support across housing, mental health and justice.

No changes were required to the Plan as a result of this assessment, as inequality considerations were embedded throughout development, drawing on existing evidence and stakeholder feedback.

However, the assessment has identified several areas - already reflected within the Plan’s commitments - where implementation is likely to have the greatest impact in reducing inequalities. These include:

• Targeting prevention support for at-risk communities, which is likely to include people living in the most deprived areas.
• Expanding assertive outreach to maximise the likelihood of reaching people who face barriers to accessing support.
• Embedding a gendered approach, including the adoption of good practice in supporting women who use substances and their babies.
• Strengthening throughcare for people leaving custody, ensuring tailored, coordinated support at a vulnerable transition point.
• Developing a data and evidence roadmap, which will strengthen understanding of who is using services, which groups are under‑ or over‑represented, the quality of their experiences, and where barriers persist.

Maximising opportunities to reduce inequalities will be central to how these commitments are delivered and will remain a core driver throughout implementation of the Plan as a whole. The Plan’s three‑year review cycle will ensure future updates continue to take full account of evidence on inequalities and lived experience.