The number of people starting a residential rehab placement in Scotland increased by around 60 per cent between 2019-20 and 2025-26, according to Public Health Scotland’s (PHS) final evaluation report on the Scottish Government’s residential rehabilitation programme.
The figure includes both publicly and privately funded placements, with the number of publicly funded placements more than doubling. ‘The Scottish Government target for 1,000 people in Scotland to have a publicly funded residential rehabilitation placement by 2026 was met,’ the agency states.
Results from a 2025 survey of those able to refer people for rehab, however, found that just 30 per cent of respondents agreed that residential rehab was ‘easily accessible’, with identified barriers including lack of funding, concerns about aftercare, and long waiting times for both detox and rehab. There was also found to be a lack of suitable provision for some groups, including people with mental health needs or caring responsibilities, or those ‘who do not meet specific abstinence requirements’.  The final overall report on the Scottish Government’s national mission on drugs is expected to be published later this year.
‘The evaluation provides evidence that the residential rehabilitation programme has improved access to residential rehab. At the same time, it highlights ongoing barriers,’ said PHS consultant Dr Tara Shivaji. ‘Residential rehab is most effective when delivered as part of a whole systems approach, with coordinated support across community-based services, mental health, housing, employment and criminal justice. This ensures people can access the range of support they need before, during and after treatment.’
Meanwhile, there were almost 570 deaths among people with dual diagnosis in Ireland between 2019 and 2021, according to a report by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Health Service Executive published in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. Almost 70 per cent of the deaths were among men, with an average age of 42. Almost 30 per cent died by suicide.
‘The area of dual diagnosis and drug-related deaths is complicated and multi-layered, with limited existing Irish data,’ said head of the HRB’s National Health Information Systems Dr Suzi Lyons. ‘This study will increase understanding of these complexities. It will also provide high-quality data and evidence to policy makers and service planners to help reduce harm and improve outcomes for people with dual diagnosis in Ireland.’
Evaluation of the Scottish Government residential rehabilitation programme: synthesis report available here
Dual diagnosis and drug-related deaths (2019–2021): an Irish perspective available here
See October’s DDN for a feature on improving dual diagnosis provision in IrelandÂ