Government unveils drug strategy

The Scottish Government has launched a new five-point strategy aimed at tackling the country's drugs problems.

The government said its focus would be on "recovery and helping people live drug-free lives".

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing told Holyrood that £94m would be spent over the next three years on tackling drug abuse.

Funding for health board drug treatment programmes will be increased by 3.8%, he announced.

Every household is to get an information leaflet so that parents can warn their children off drugs.

'Inescapable fact'

Mr Ewing stressed the "guiding purpose" of all drug treatment services would be helping addicts into recovery.

He told MSPs: "In the past there has not been enough focus on achieving positive outcomes for people with drug problems. We must make this a priority for the future.

"We will achieve this by reforming how drugs services are planned, commissioned and delivered."

Mr Ewing pointed out Scotland has, per head of population, more drug addicts than most comparable European countries, and added: "That is not something we should accept as an inescapable fact of life."

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