FASTER treatment, stronger recovery support and greater involvement of people with lived experience are among the major gains in local drug and alcohol services over the past year.
Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) has endorsed the Annual Reporting Survey submitted by the region’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), highlighting its achievements in improving outcomes and saving lives.
Speaking after the IJB meeting, ADP Strategic Lead Jackie Davies said: “The annual survey demonstrates the range of work being delivered to support the national mission to reduce drug deaths. It highlights the ongoing partnership work between statutory and third sector organisations with those people and families who are directly affected by drug and alcohol use.
“Through a year of strengthened collaboration, faster access to support, and increased involvement of people with lived experience, there has been obvious progress showing the wide range of ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use in Dumfries and Galloway.”
The report details a robust local response to Scotland’s National Mission on drug deaths and harms. Among the standout achievements are:
- Real-time overdose monitoring and assertive outreach, enabling services to respond quickly to non-fatal overdoses and prevent further harm.
- Faster access to treatmentthrough improvements in the delivery of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), supported by direct feedback from people in treatment.
- A new post-rehabilitation support pathway, offering talking therapies and better continuity of care for those completing residential programmes.
- Expanded opportunities for people with lived and living experience to shape services, from planning forums and working groups to strategy development sessions.
- A Whole Family Approach, supporting children and adults affected by a loved one’s substance use with counselling, parenting programmes, and family-specific recovery groups.
The ADP has also taken steps to address persistent challenges — from gaps in rural provision to workforce pressures. Revised pathways, a renewed focus on stigma reduction, and better integration with justice, mental health, and housing services all form part of a joined-up approach aimed at tackling the root causes of harm.
Nicole Hamlet, Interim Chief Officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The ADP is doing important work — not only reacting to immediate risk, but investing in prevention and long-term support. We are seeing practical steps being taken to embed recovery, reduce stigma, and ensure that people and families get the help they need, when they need it.”
Challenges remain, including improving access for marginalised groups and addressing demand for harm reduction tools like drug checking and safer-use equipment. However, the ADP has shown agility in adapting to emerging threats — including contaminated drugs — by strengthening its Local Early Warning System (LEWS) and updating local protocols.
A draft anti-stigma strategy is now in development, created in partnership with the Community Justice Partnership and Violence Against Women and Girls partnership. It is expected to play a key role in making services more inclusive and trauma-informed.
Looking ahead, the ADP will focus on sustaining recent progress, improving engagement with primary care, and continuing to invest in workforce wellbeing and capacity.
Ms Davies said: “Our partners, services, and communities have been working incredibly hard. What’s most encouraging is that people with lived experience are not just being listened to — they are helping to lead the change. That’s exactly the direction we need to keep moving in.”
The full report will inform national policy as part of the 2024/25 ADP Annual Survey and is available through the Scottish Government.
