Question reference: S6W-12874
- Date lodged: 5 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 13 December 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to alcohol-dependent people with mental health problems.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring people get access to person-centred support that is tailored to their needs. Through working directly with a wide range of stakeholders, which encompasses both NHS directors as well as Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) service leads and third sector organisations, a range of work is underway to ensure that any person that presents at any service with a mental health or substance use issue is offered support and guidance throughout their treatment.
This includes the recent Rapid Review of Mental Health and Substance Use Services; the development and implementation of standards for adult secondary mental health services, alongside the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Pathfinder project to design new approaches to care for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
The recently published summary of the 2021-2022 ADP annual survey reported that, over nine in ten (92%) ADPs routinely offer mental health support for people who use drugs or alcohol.
We will continue to work closely with local authorities, health and social care partnerships and people with lived experience to improve services and outcomes for people.