Question reference: S5W-05884
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 22 December 2016
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 17 January 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support people who experience withdrawal symptoms caused by so-called over-the-counter drugs.
Answer
It is for NHS boards, local authorities and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) to assess the need for, the design and delivery of local services, including for those facing problems caused by prescribed or over the counter medication.
At a national level the Scottish Government have contributed to the recent report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs looking at the ‘Diversion and Illicit Supply of Medicines’, and are currently considering the recommendations from the report. Scottish Government have also supported the development of the ‘Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence’ which set out best practice for those providing pharmacological interventions for drug misusers, ensuring Scottish representation on the expert review group and leading on consultation with those with key interests in Scotland. The updated guidelines will be promoted across Scotland once published.