Residential rehabilitation in Scotland can reduce substance
misuse and improve health and quality of life, according to a new
review.
The Scottish Government report, which examines existing
literature on the subject, follows a recommendation by the
Residential Rehabilitation Working Group to better understand the
treatment models on offer.
The study shows that residential rehabilitation can lead to
better mental health outcomes and improvements in areas such as
offending, social engagement and employment, though relatively
few studies on social outcomes exist. The importance of ongoing
support following a placement is also highlighted in the study.
The Scottish Government will allocate £100 million to residential
rehabilitation over the course of this parliament.
Drugs Policy Minister said:
“Getting people into the treatment and recovery that is right for
them at the right time is at the core of our national mission to
save and improve lives and residential rehabilitation is one of a
wide range of options.
“The findings of this review are encouraging and support our
decision to allocate £100 million to residential rehabilitation
over the course of this parliament. We have increased funding to
Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to improve access to residential
rehabilitation and are clear it should be part of a full range of
drug prevention and treatment services available in all local
authority areas.
“We are also investing a further £10 million per year to support
the delivery of Medication Assisted Treatment standards over the
next four years, which mean people who use drugs receive help the
day they ask for it, regardless of where they live.”
Chair of the Scottish Government’s Working Group on Residential
Rehabilitation David McCartney said:
“The Scottish Government’s robust review of the evidence base for
residential rehabilitation reinforces the view that this is an
effective intervention associated with improvements across the
domains of substance use, health and life quality. Those of us
who work in residential rehabilitation see the evidence of its
positive impact every day, but it is clearly also crucial to
demonstrate this through scientific study.
“This review should encourage us to ensure that residential
rehabilitation is an accessible part of a comprehensive and
joined-up recovery-oriented system of care – a system which
flexes to meet the needs and goals of individuals and their
families affected by substance use disorders.”
BACKGROUND
Residential
rehabilitation: literature review
