10 March 2026
WithYou has welcomed the Scottish Government's new 10-year drug and alcohol strategy but is calling for sustained funding and clear accountability to turn commitments into action.
Louise Stewart, Director of Scotland at WithYou, said: “The strategy provides the long-term framework we've been calling for. There is also a stronger focus on alcohol, expanded harm reduction, and a commitment to closing the gap between policy and practice. These reflect what our teams and the people we support need.
"We particularly welcome the commitment to expand safer drug consumption facilities beyond Glasgow, explore drug checking through mobile and postal services, develop overarching treatment standards covering all substances with clear accountability for delivering them, and commission a national needs assessment for alcohol treatment. The strategy's human rights-based approach is also vitally important, and embedding the Charter of Rights across all services will be critical.
But the next government must guarantee that this strategy is backed by protected, multi-year funding that rises with inflation. Without that, we risk losing the workforce, the momentum and the progress that's been built.
Alcohol needs more
Louise added: "In 2024, alcohol deaths outnumbered drug deaths, yet alcohol has consistently received less policy focus and funding.
"The strategy commits to a national needs assessment for alcohol treatment, considers expanding Alcohol Care Teams in hospitals, and promises an action plan later in 2026. These are important steps. But we are calling for a dedicated alcohol strategy with ring-fenced resources.
"That action plan must be published swiftly with clear timelines. Alcohol cannot be overshadowed again.”
Delivery is everything
Gareth Balmer, WithYou's Harm Reduction Lead, said:
“Our frontline teams see the consequences when policies aren't delivered consistently. Scotland has excellent frameworks like the MAT Standards and the Charter of Rights. But where you live still determines what support you can access, whether that's face-to-face services in urban and rural areas or virtual support when people can't travel. That has to change.
The strategy commits to expanding safer consumption facilities and drug checking, which is what evidence shows works. But we need to move beyond 'exploring' and into doing. People are dying now. The tools exist, and Scotland must use them.
"The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 remains a barrier to evidence-based harm reduction. The strategy commits to working with the UK Government, but Scotland must push harder and faster. Where we can act now under devolved powers, we should."
Election will determine delivery
Louise added:
“This is a 10-year plan. The 14,000-plus people we support across Scotland, and the thousands more who need our help but haven't yet reached out, are counting on the next government to deliver on this strategy.
"We've published a manifesto setting out six priorities for the next government, including long-term funding beyond the National Mission, expanding harm reduction using all available Scottish legal powers, ensuring accessible services wherever people live, and delivering a dedicated focus on alcohol with ring-fenced resources.
With elections just weeks away, every party must commit to sustained investment, bold harm reduction and the courage to close the gap between what's promised and what people actually experience.
WithYou's Priorities for the Next Scottish Government document is available here.
