Substance use remains a critical public health challenge, with significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities across Scotland. Public Health Scotland’s latest report sheds light on the demographics, substance use patterns, and treatment settings for 2023/24. By understanding these dynamics, we can better address the needs of those affected and develop effective strategies for intervention and recovery.
Overview of the Treatment Landscape
- 16,507 people accessed specialist alcohol and/or drug treatment services in Scotland in 2023/24.
- The report provides insights into three treatment categories:
- Alcohol treatment
- Drug treatment
- Co-dependency treatment, addressing the problematic use of both alcohol and drugs.
Demographics of People Accessing Treatment
- Age Range:
- People entering alcohol treatment had the highest median age at 47 years.
- Drug treatment’s median age was 36 years, while co-dependency treatment was the youngest group, with a median age of 33 years.
- Gender Differences:
- 32% of individuals starting treatment were female, with the highest percentage in the alcohol group (37%).
- Fewer women sought treatment for drugs (28%) and co-dependency (22%).
- Prison Contexts:
- A higher percentage of individuals starting drug (12%) or co-dependency treatment (13%) were in a prison or young offender institution compared to those starting alcohol treatment (1%).
These figures highlight the need for targeted interventions that cater to differences in age, gender, and living situations, particularly for vulnerable groups like those in prison.
Alcohol Use and Treatment
- The average age at which individuals felt their alcohol use became problematic was 30 years for males and 34 years for females.
- 89% of people starting treatment for alcohol had consumed alcohol in the month before their assessment, with 36% reporting spirits as their main drink type.
- Concerning drinking habits, 61% of alcohol users drank daily in the month prior to their assessment.
This data underscores the pervasiveness of problematic drinking patterns and the urgent need to support individuals earlier in their journeys through prevention strategies.
Drug Use Trends
- Cocaine (30%) was the most commonly reported main drug for treatment, overtaking heroin (28%) for the first time in recorded history.
- Among those who reported using opioids, 63% had a take-home naloxone kit during their assessment, highlighting progress in harm reduction efforts.
- 10% of individuals disclosed injecting drugs in the past month, while 17% last injected more than a month before assessment.
The rise of cocaine as a primary substance signals a shift in treatment needs. Expanding harm reduction programmes and equipping users with resources like naloxone remain critical interventions.
Co-Dependency Patterns
- For the co-dependency cohort, spirits (30%) was the main alcohol type, and cocaine (50%) was the leading drug.
- Daily alcohol consumption was significantly lower in this group (29%) compared to individuals in alcohol treatment (61%).
- Among co-dependency users identifying cocaine as their main drug, 35% used it daily, compared to 48% in the drug treatment group.
The data suggests varied behaviours within the co-dependency cohort, requiring tailored treatment that considers the complex interplay between alcohol and drug use.
Why This Matters
These findings highlight Scotland’s evolving substance use landscape, from the rising dominance of cocaine as a primary drug to critical differences in demographics and drinking or injecting behaviours. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including early intervention, harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive support for affected individuals.
Substance use treatment is more than just recovery—it’s about providing people with the resources, opportunities, and care they need to rebuild their lives. Whether through education, targeted policies, or community support, every effort counts in creating a healthier Scotland.
Together, we can tackle substance use, break down stigmas, and build stronger pathways to recovery.
Source: Public Health Scotland
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