Pilot drug and alcohol addiction treatment programme running in Far North could be rolled out Scotland-wide
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A DRUG and alcohol abuse reduction system being piloted in Caithness could be adopted throughout Scotland.
That is what local MSP, Gail Ross, was told by Scottish public health minister, Joe FitzPatrick, when she raised the issue at Holyrood.
The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP said the pilot programme in Caithness was first implemented in Iceland two decades ago and has been very effective in reducing substance and alcohol abuse among young people.
During a discussion on drug deaths in Scotland, Mrs Ross, asked if the Scottish Government plans to adopt the Icelandic model here.
She said: "Iceland has dramatically reduced its substance and alcohol use among young people in the last 20 years by adopting a five-step plan, and groups in Caithness are currently piloting a similar model thanks to the funding that has recently been received by the Scottish Government.
"The Icelandic model is now in operation in 35 cities across Europe. Will the Scottish Government give it serious consideration with a view to implementation in Scotland?" she asked.
Mr FitzPatrick replied: "Yes, I think the Icelandic model is something that we across the chamber can look at very seriously. The Scottish Government were pleased to be able to fund the pilot in Caithness.
"It is being led by some really amazing people that I had the fortune to meet and discuss this Icelandic model with … I think it is certainly a model that gives us hope for the future and I really look forward to seeing the outputs for what’s going on in Caithness."
The Icelandic Model is an evidence-based approach to adolescent substance use prevention which grew out of collaboration between policy makers, behavioural scientists, field-based practitioners and community residents. It focuses on reducing known risk factors while strengthening a broad range of parental, school and community protective measures.
The Caithness Mental Wellbeing Pathfinder Project received funding from the Scottish Government totalling £712,000. It has come from grants awarded for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing issues and for the delivery of community-based services.
