House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Update
14 May 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government is publishing a strategic plan for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce.
- Legislative changes will be made to expand access to take-home naloxone supplies without a prescription.
- These actions aim to improve training, recruitment, and retention of professionals in the sector.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the progress and future plans related to the UK's ten-year drug strategy From Harm to Hope, focusing on workforce development and expanding access to naloxone.
Action requested
The government is publishing a strategic plan for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce and proceeding with legislative changes to expand access to take-home naloxone supplies without a prescription. These actions aim to improve training, recruitment, and retention of professionals in the sector and prevent opioid overdose deaths.
Key facts
- The ten-year drug strategy includes an initial three-year investment of £532 million from 2022 to 2025.
- Over 170 medical, mental health, and other regulated professionals were recruited in the first year.
- The government is publishing a strategic plan developed by OHID and NHS England with sector engagement.
- The consultation on expanding access to naloxone received over 300 responses, with about 95% supporting the proposals.