As part of the Public Health Scotland (PHS) evaluation of the National Mission on Drug Deaths, the findings of a research project interviewing key individuals in the field have been published. The findings show a degree of consensus that the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drug Deaths has already delivered some positive impacts, particularly, in strengthening drug treatment systems. However, the interviews also highlighted unintended negative consequences and missed opportunities in the National Mission, including not enough focus on:

• prevention and wider system determinants
• non-opioid and polydrug use
• supporting and resourcing frontline services
• the risk additional pressure in the system poses to sustaining a genuine culture of learning and improvement around drugs in Scotland.

PHS undertook 13 confidential, in-depth interviews with senior drug stakeholders leading, at national or local level, on policy, advocacy, research or service delivery relating to drugs in Scotland.

The PHS evaluation is ongoing, with the further research results expected next year. These will include the perspectives of individuals with lived or living experience of drug use, their families and loved ones and Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) coordinators.