Strategic plan for provision of substance use services in Northern Ireland launched

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt has today launched a new Strategic Plan for the provision of substance use services in Northern Ireland.

The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 sets out the priorities for the recommissioning and reform of substance use services in Northern Ireland over the next four years.

Minister Nesbitt said “Addressing health inequalities is one of my key areas of focus as Health Minister, and the largest inequalities in health outcomes relate to substance use. In the areas of highest deprivation, drug misuse deaths are almost six times higher than in areas with the lowest deprivation. That is unacceptable and I am committed to taking forward action in this area. The launch of this Strategic Plan is key to delivering on our ambition for high quality, compassionate, person-centred, and accessible services to individuals in need of substance use treatment and providing the support needed to their families.”

The Plan includes measures which seek to ensure access to a continuum of service with clear pathways and step-up/step-down provision; equal access to community detoxification for alcohol and other drugs across NI; provide support to address the wider physical, mental health, and wellbeing needs of those in treatment, and recognises the importance of joint working between the community/voluntary sector, service users and peers, and the Health & Social Care Sector.

Minister Nesbitt continued: “This Plan has been co-produced with over 150 representatives across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. In particular the process has involved working with those with lived and living experience of substance use, and their families. I have personally met with families and individuals affected by this issue, and it is vital we learn from their experiences and ensure that we provide services that meet their needs.”

Minister Nesbitt also highlighted the need for everyone to play their part in tackling the stigma associated with this issue. He concluded: “I am sure we all know someone who has been affected by substance use. And yet the stigma that surrounds those impacted – by the public, by professionals, by the system, and by individuals themselves – only serves to exacerbate harm. We need to move the conversation from blame and stigma to understanding what we need to do as a society to reduce this harm.”

Dr Ciara McKillop, Interim Director for Community Care for the Department of Health's Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), said: "Our services should reflect the needs of our population and the  vision and actions contained within the Plan highlight our commitment to service reform which supports our workforce, to provide people with substance use issues, families and caring networks, access to the right support, at the right time, in the right place by the right people."

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency (PHA) said: “Collaboration is key to tackling this issue together across the Health and Social Care system. I welcome the recognition in this Plan of the need to focus on population needs through a prevention and early intervention approach within the substance use sector to ensure the right care is provided at the right time to reduce harms associated with substance use for individuals, families and communities.”

The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan is available at Substance Use Strategy and Implementation Plan | Drugs and Alcohol(external link opens in a new window / tab).

For more information about substance use services across Northern Ireland see Northern Ireland Drugs & Alcohol Services Directory | Northern Ireland Drug and Alcohol Services(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Notes to editors: 

1. Addressing the harm related to alcohol and other drugs is a key priority for the Executive and the Department of Health, and is being delivered through the Northern Ireland Executive's 10-year Substance Use Strategy “Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery”.
2. The development of the Substance Use Commissiong and Implementation Plan(external link opens in a new window / tab), is a key action in the strategy and it has been co-produced with over 150 representatives across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors including individuals with lived/living experience of substance use.