Majority of health committee does not support Douglas Ross' addiction recovery bill

A majority of Health, Social Care and Sport Committee members do not support the general principles of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill, according to a new report.

The bill, which was introduced by former Conservative leader Douglas Ross in May last year, seeks to give people diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction the statutory right to receive treatment from a relevant professional.  

However, within the committee’s report, it has highlighted several concerns and says that the proposed legislation will require significant amendments if it passes to Stage 2.  

Despite receiving evidence throughout the scrutiny at Stage 1, which revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with the availability and access to support services for those experiencing harm from drug or alcohol misuse, the committee also heard of widespread concern that the focus of the bill is too narrow and could lead to the reprioritisation of prevention and early intervention.  

The committee has said it heard substantial evidence of significant strain on those working in drug and alcohol services, and the bill could potentially exacerbate the pressure on the workforce and resources.  

It is also concerned that the three-week statutory deadline to begin treatment could compromise the quality of treatment, limit choice, and increase the relapse rate.  

The cost to implement the legislation outlined in the financial memorandum has been significantly underestimated, according to the report, and the committee has suggested that it may result in resources being diverted away from addressing the needs of individuals to achieve legal compliance.

It has also pointed to “strong evidence” that the right to treatment set out in the bill could set a precedent and expectation for similar legal rights to treatment for other conditions.

The committee’s convener Clare Haughey said: “Our committee recognises the long-standing and serious harms that drug and alcohol misuse can have on individuals and families across Scotland. The number of people suffering from drug and/or alcohol use in Scotland is still far too high, and our evidence made it clear that more must be done to tackle these issues.

“However, a majority of our committee does not believe this bill is the correct vehicle to effectively support those suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.”

The committee is calling on Ross to consider further ways of ensuring that the bill works in tandem, rather than in conflict, with the existing policy and legal framework.

Haughey added: “Our report highlights our serious concerns with the bill in its current form, and it is because of those concerns that a majority of our committee is unable to recommend to parliament that the bill should proceed to Stage 2.

“We acknowledge the bill’s aim of helping those suffering from drug and alcohol misuse. However, our evidence has highlighted that the bill in its current form could negatively impact individuals who are suffering and put even greater strain on services that are already deeply stretched.”