Addiction treatment waiting times target met in all but one health board area

A drug and alcohol treatment waiting times target was met in all but one of Scotland’s health boards, figures show.

The Scottish Government set a target of three weeks from referral to treatment in 2011.

Figures released on Tuesday show that in the final three months of last year, 95.5% of people began treatment within three weeks, and all of the NHS boards in Scotland which reported figures met the target.

However, data from NHS Shetland was not included due to issues with figures from the Shetland Islands Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.

NHS Western Isles was the lowest performing board, but still managed a 90% figure, while NHS Orkney ensured 100% of all referrals were seen within three weeks.

I am pleased to see that performance across the NHS boards, especially in Tayside, Highland and Lothian, has improved since the last quarter

Almost 9,500 referrals were made during those three months, just over half of which were for problems with alcohol, while 36% were for drugs and 13.8% were for issues with both.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We want every person experiencing harm from drug or alcohol use to be able access the support they need. Our focus is on taking action to save and improve lives now as part of our national mission.

“Record levels of funding for alcohol and drugs programmes were protected in the Budget. Total 2025-26 funding has been increased by £2.5 million and now totals around £160 million.

“The waiting times standard was met nationally, and by all but one health board.

“I am pleased to see that performance across the NHS boards, especially in Tayside, Highland and Lothian, has improved since the last quarter.

“We will continue to engage with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships to drive up performance.”