Scotland has introduced groundbreaking national standards to transform young people drug and alcohol support across the country. These new standards ensure that youth substance use services are consistent, accessible, and tailored to the needs of those aged 25 and under who are struggling with substance use. The standards represent a significant step forward in protecting Scotland’s youth from the devastating impact of drugs and alcohol.

Co-Designed With Young People

The standards weren’t created in isolation. They emerged from extensive consultation with young people across Scotland, ensuring the guidance reflects what matters most to those it aims to help. Sixty four young people shared their experiences and expectations, providing invaluable insights into what makes effective support services.

Their message was clear: services must be accessible, respectful, and available before problems spiral out of control. Young people emphasised the importance of building trust with support workers, having flexibility in how and when they access help, and receiving support that considers their whole life, not just their substance use.

What Young People Drug And Alcohol Support Should Include

Under the new standards, young people aged 25 and under can expect:

Early Intervention and Easy Access

Information about available support will be widely available and easy to understand. Young people, their families, or trusted adults can access help before substance use becomes problematic. This preventative approach aims to stop issues developing rather than waiting for a crisis.

Choice and Flexibility

Support will be available through multiple channels: online, by phone, or face to face. Young people can choose appointment times and locations that work for them. Critically, missing an appointment won’t mean losing access to services, recognising that engagement can be challenging.

Consistent, Caring Relationships

Youth substance use services will prioritise consistency, with the same support worker wherever possible. This continuity allows trust to develop, something young people identified as essential for meaningful engagement. Support workers will take time to understand each person’s individual circumstances and help them set realistic goals.

Addressing Geographic Inequality In Youth Substance Use Services

One of the most significant challenges these standards address is the variation in provision across Scotland. Previously, the quality and availability of youth drug and alcohol support depended heavily on location. Some areas offered excellent services whilst others had limited options.

The new framework ensures that regardless of where a young person lives, they can access person centred support tailored to their cultural background, circumstances, and wider needs. This consistency means every young person has the same opportunity to receive help when they need it.

Supporting Families And Communities

The standards recognise that substance use doesn’t affect young people in isolation. Families and support networks play a crucial role in recovery and prevention. The framework encourages whole family approaches, where appropriate, ensuring parents, carers, and loved ones receive support too.

Youth substance use services will work collaboratively with schools, social work, healthcare providers, and community organisations. This joined up approach means young people receive comprehensive support addressing not just their substance use but also mental health, education, employment, and housing needs.

Reducing Stigma And Building Trust In Young People Drug And Alcohol Support

Young people consistently reported that stigma and judgement prevented them from seeking help. The new drug and alcohol support standards tackle this barrier head on, requiring services to provide care that is non judgemental, empowering, and respectful.

Support workers must explain clearly what will happen, maintain transparency about confidentiality limits, and involve young people in decisions about their care. This approach builds the trust necessary for young people to engage honestly about their challenges.

Implementation Across Scotland

The standards provide clear recommendations for local commissioners and service providers. They outline how to deliver accessible, high quality young people drug and alcohol support whilst acknowledging that different areas may start from different positions. Implementation timelines may vary, but the expectation is clear: every area must work towards meeting these benchmarks.

Local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, health boards, and children’s services will use the standards to evaluate current provision, identify gaps, and develop action plans. Regular monitoring will ensure progress continues and services genuinely meet young people’s needs.

A Human Rights Based Approach To Youth Substance Use Services

At their core, these standards reflect a commitment to children’s rights. They align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children must be protected from harmful drugs and have the right to good quality healthcare and information about their health.

The standards also connect to broader Scottish policy frameworks, including Getting It Right for Every Child and Keeping the Promise. This integration ensures youth substance use services sit within wider efforts to improve outcomes for all Scotland’s children and young people.

Looking Forward

Since 2020, 304 young people under 25 have tragically lost their lives to drug related causes in Scotland. Whilst drug related deaths in this age group have decreased from 80 in 2020 to 34 in 2024, every death represents immeasurable loss. Many adults accessing treatment report their substance use began in youth, highlighting the critical importance of early intervention.

These standards for young people drug and alcohol support offer hope. By providing clear expectations for support services, they create accountability and drive improvement. Young people will know what they should receive, services will understand what they must deliver, and families will have confidence that help is available when needed.

The goal is straightforward yet ambitious: fewer young people developing problematic substance use, better support for those who need it, and ultimately, saving lives. Through consistent, compassionate, evidence based support, Scotland aims to protect its young people from the devastating harms of drugs and alcohol.

Source: dbrecoveryresources