Scottish 'drug recovery' charity launched
A national charity aimed at helping addicts to come off drugs has been launched in Scotland.
The Scottish Drug Recovery Consortium, funded by the Scottish government, is intended to deliver the national drugs strategy, The Road To Recovery.
It will support recovery for drug addicts, as well as aiming to help families and communities.
The consortium includes groups from the voluntary, academic and policy fields, as well as recovering addicts.
Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said: "This is another commitment delivered from the national drugs strategy and one which will ensure that the ethos of recovery is embedded in the minds of all of those affected by problem drug use.
"Recovery is an approach designed to help people overcome serious drug use by building on the strengths of individuals and communities and helping people to move on and become active and contributing members of society."
The national drugs strategy was published two years ago and focuses on recovery and services for people to help them move on to a drug-free life.
Consortium director Dougie Paterson said: "The recovery movement in Scotland is growing stronger every day, with more people moving on from drug problems and addiction to lead active, fulfilling lives.
"The Scottish government has outlined a strong commitment to recovery in the national drugs strategy The Road To Recovery, and we welcome the vision for change within it."
He said the consortium had been created to support the work that was already taking place by working with groups and organisations across the country to "share experiences, celebrate achievements and promote recovery".
"This is a hugely exciting time to launch the SDRC and we look forward to working with our members, key partners and people across Scotland to promote the belief that people can and do recover from drug problems and addiction," he added.