Drugs and Alcohol
The situation in the Borders
Similar to many other areas in Scotland there are ongoing problems with drug and alcohol misuse in the Scottish Borders. We can see the effects on our communities and in the day-to-day lives of individuals, their families and friends.
The majority of people in the Borders drink alcohol and do so without any problems. However, drinking to excess can lead to a range of health and social problems and there are concerns about patterns of drinking i.e. binge drinking. We know that we cannot change this culture overnight but through a multi-agency response we are tackling alcohol misuse through a range of interventions.
Those with serious drug problems do not develop these overnight and coming off drugs is only part of the process, staying off drugs requires the individual to change their whole lifestyle. This is a long-term problem that requires a long-term approach.
The recently published drug strategy for Scotland now places greater emphasis on recovery and moving people out of treatment into drug free lives. Plans are in place locally to support this by expanding community rehabilitation resources, and developing more integrated care to help those with drug problems live longer, healthier lives and make a more positive contribution to society.
The Drug & Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is multi-agency team who work with key partners to put into action national drug and alcohol strategies at a local level. To find more out more about the work of the DAAT, you can access the DAAT Action Plan and Annual Report online at www.bordersdaat.scot.nhs.uk
What help is available?
There are a number of services available to people across the Scottish Borders who wish to seek help and support for drugs and/or alcohol.
Local services
For more detailed information on local support services, you can access a service leaflet from the DAAT website, by contacting your GP or DAAT Support Team: 01896 825566, bordersdaat@borders.scot.nhs.uk
Drugs
For information on individual drugs, getting practical help or someone to talk to confidentially contact: Know the Score 0800 589 5897 or www.knowthescore.org
Alcohol
For free, confidential advice on alcohol and how to cut down, call Drinkline on 0800 7 314 314 (open 24 hours, 7 days a week).
Community Awareness
The DAAT can also provide free information sessions on drugs and alcohol to community groups and parents in partnership with Lothian & Borders Police.
To discuss this further please contact the DAAT Support Team on 01896 825566 or the Drugs Awareness Officer on 01450 364412.
To find out more information on DAAT's click here:
For further information on Community Safety and the services available within the Scottish Borders please click here.
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