General issues
People choose to drink and use drugs for a variety of reasons.
A minority will go on to develop dependency problems, and an addiction to substances.
Effective alcohol and drug policy requires an understanding of why a person misuses drink and/or drugs. Are mental health issues at the root of it all? Does a lack of qualifications or skills make it difficult to change their current lifestyle? Does housing play a part in their continuing to drink and take drugs? And what of the people who have to live with another’s substance misuse?
Good alcohol and drug policy needs to link in with other policy areas concerning substance misuse. We have either set up our own groups on key policy areas or contribute to existing national groups on these issues. These are:
• Homelessness
• Co-morbidity
• Hidden Harm
• Education and Information
• Employability
• Prevention
• Priority Areas
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Homelessness
It’s estimated that around 95% of homeless young people have used drugs. Almost a fifth of homeless people could be considered problem drug users. Nearly a quarter have accidentally overdosed on drugs or alcohol.
Many become homeless when escaping family conflict and abuse. Some become homeless as a result of their drinking and drug use. Others have lost their homes when serving prison sentences.
Addressing the factors linking homelessness and substance misuse is important. To this end, SAADAT sits on the Scottish Executive Homelessness and Substance Misuse Advisory Group.
Key Source Documents on Homelessness:
• Youth Homelessness and Substance Use – Home Office
• Helping Homeless People - Scottish Executive
• Scottish Council for Single Homeless
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Co-morbidity
Suffering mental health problems as well as having substance misuse issues is common. Around 30% of the drug treatment population and over 50% of those with alcohol problems experience ‘multiple morbidity’. This is the co-existence of a number of psychiatric disorders and substance misuse problems.
Improving the links between mental health and substance misuse is important. Early diagnosis is needed. We need to work to ensure that there are enough of the right services for people with co-morbidity problems.
SAADAT sits on the Scottish Executive’s Substance Misuse and Mental Health Working Group.
Key Source Documents on Co-morbidity:
• Substance Misuse Research: Co-morbid Mental Health and Substance Misuse in Scotland
• Mind the Gaps
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Hidden Harm
An estimated 40-60,000 children in Scotland are affected by parental drug misuse. Around 80,000 - 100,000 are affected by parental alcohol misuse. Parental substance misuse can and does cause problems, from pre-birth while the child is in the womb, throughout childhood and adolescence. These young people are amongst the most vulnerable in our society. Figures also show that the chances of a child developing substance misuse issues increase when a parent misuses themselves. It is in all our best interest to work with parents who misuse substances and break the cycle.
The Scottish Executive’s Hidden Harm strategy places children of substance misusing parents as a key priority. This is a major policy area for SAADAT. SAADAT supported the Aberlour-led think-tank days about Hidden Harm which resulted in two reports.
Key Source Documents on Hidden Harm:
• Scottish Exec Response to report of enquiry of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
• Have we got our Priorities Right?
• A Matter of Substance
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Education & Information
Good alcohol and drugs education needs to be:
• credible
• reliable
• appropriate
Targeting information correctly means understanding how people ‘hear’. We need to know what they read, listen to or watch; when, how and where. When we know this, we can develop materials that actually mean something. We want people to be in possession of the facts, to allow them to make informed choices as to how they live their lives.
SAADAT sits on the Scottish Executive’s National Communications Group and also facilitates its own Alcohol Information Sub-group.
Alcohol and drug publications >
Key Source Documents on Education and Information:
• Scottish Executive Report on Annual Drug Misuse - Implementing the Whole Drugs Strategy
• Alcohol Action Plan for Scotland 2007-10
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Employability
Moving away from a substance misusing lifestyle, often requires or prompts a move into employment. Without certain skills, the alternative can be a return to drink or drugs. This means that those working with rehabilitating people need to link in with employment and training agencies.
SAADAT facilitates an Education, Training and Employment Working Group. This group works within the context of the national employability framework, referencing initiatives such as Workforce Plus. It also builds upon work produced by the now disbanded Effective Interventions Unit, which looked at factors and processes impacting on the employability of drug users.
Key Source Documents on Employability:
• Workforce Plus
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Prevention
Preventing substance misuse is preferable to dealing with the considerable challenges posed by treatment and rehabilitation. Good prevention needs:
• effective legislation
• law enforcement
• early interventions, especially where children are involved
• adequately resourced services
• good information and education
SAADAT facilitates a Licensing sub-group, Information sub-group. It sits on the National Communications Group, Quality Standards Working Group and national groups on Integrated Care, Methadone and Psycho stimulants.
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Priority Work Areas
The following are SAADAT’s priority areas for 07/08:
• to be completed
• Our Workplan 07/08 |
