28 January 2026
On 27 January, Public Health Scotland published its 10-year strategy to improve health and reduce inequalities. The strategy recognises you can't tackle substance use without tackling what causes it.
It sets targets to reduce deaths from alcohol and drugs, among other things. WithYou Scotland welcomes the prevention-focused approach and commits to working with partners to make it happen.
Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland at WithYou, says:
“We welcome the publication of Public Health Scotland's 10-year strategy. It sets a clear direction for improving health and reducing inequalities across Scotland.
“This strategy recognises what we see every day. You can't tackle substance use without tackling what causes it.
“People's health is shaped by poverty, housing, work and trauma. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's UK Poverty 2026 report, published on the same day, shows one in five people in Scotland are living in poverty. In our most deprived areas, men live 13 years less than those in our wealthiest areas.
“These aren't just statistics. They're the lived reality for the people we support.
“We know from experience that lasting change means tackling these root causes. Treatment services alone can't solve a crisis caused by poverty and inequality.
“That's why Public Health Scotland's focus on prevention matters. The strategy recognises that we need to improve people's income, work, housing and education. This is the approach Scotland needs.
“We're particularly encouraged by the commitment to prevent drug deaths and other harms. The focus on early support and person-centred care reflects what we know works. Alongside targets to reduce deaths from alcohol and drugs, these commitments show ambition.
“But achieving this depends on action. Ensuring people can access support when they need it, reducing inequalities in treatment and recovery, and tackling the stigma that stops people getting help will determine whether Scotland achieves lasting change.
“As Scotland's largest charity providing drug and alcohol services, we support more than 14,000 people every year across our services. We're committed to working with Public Health Scotland, commissioners and partners to make these ambitions a reality.”