This work was carried out as a direct result of the findings from the Independent Expert Review of Opioid Replacement Therapies (ORT) in Scotland, published in 2013 (1). Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD) provided the opportunity for the review to engage with families and hear their concerns. The evidence gathered from families was done so via a Conference presentation to SFAD, a Question and Answer session, face-to-face consultation with 20 delegates and also via personal communications. During the process, families were explicit in expressing a need for support and advice that was more easily available. It was evident that families had differing needs at different stages in the recovery process. The following questions were asked by an MSP at the time: Is there research into anxiety and depression in families affected by substance misuse? Is there an increase in psychiatric illness in this group? It was acknowledged that these were thoughtful questions that deserved an answer and that SFAD could be involved in this work.

This report was therefore commissioned by SFAD to explore the impact and harms with regards reported anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing, experienced by families of those experiencing substance misuse. The report provides the results of the scoping research conducted, together with key recommendations to Ministers.