The Government believes that preventing drug use is more effective than treating established drug problems.
It is essential that we recognise the impact of actions that a wide range of policies will have. However, we must realise that people will always consider using drugs, and it is crucial that no-one in Scotland today takes drugs out of ignorance of the consequences. The provision of accurate information to the public is vital, as is effective communication with young people in, and outwith, the school environment.
The Government's Economic Strategy (GES) sets new ambitious targets for increasing sustainable economic growth. This will be achieved by improving learning, skills and well-being; the creation of a supportive business environment; development of infrastructure; more effective government; greater equity - and through a closer and more effective partnership between central and local government.
Crucially, in the context of problem drug use, the GES accords a strategic priority to achieving more balanced growth across Scotland and providing enhanced life chances and incentives to those in our most deprived communities. Targeted action to achieve these goals will release potential to contribute to Scotland's economic growth and success.
Early intervention
The Government and CoSLA recently published a joint policy statement on early years and early intervention. This recognises the importance of establishing early intervention as the key to achieving a range of social policy objectives and stresses the need for a transformational change in the way that public services interact with families and young people. Over the coming months, the Government, CoSLA and other partners will be developing an early years framework. This will focus on building parenting and family capacity, creating communities that support the positive development of children, delivering integrated services that meet children's holistic needs and developing a workforce to deliver this.
The principle of early intervention will be covered in the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities report due shortly. The Task Force has addressed a range of underlying causes of inequalities in the health in those people identified above. They will recommend practical action, based on an understanding of the role of deprivation and stress in poor health. They will also indicate how a range of public services need to respond to their clients, to prevent further negative effects on their health and well-being.
Community safety
The Government is committed to making our communities safer and stronger. As well as general initiatives such as increasing the number of police officers, the Government and the Police are working closely to tackle organised crime, including through the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency's project to understand better the patterns of organised criminal activity in Scotland.
Young people
The Government understands the need for young people in all our communities to have access to facilities that promote constructive and positive behaviours while supporting them in realising their full potential.
The Government is currently drawing up a new Youth Framework that will consider these issues in the round. Also, the Cashback project is currently using around £8m of funds from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to benefit young people in those communities hardest hit by crime, and which most lack facilities and opportunities.
The key outcomes associated with these policies should create more opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish and participate fully in the economic and social life of the nation. This will raise aspirations, particularly for young people, so that problem drug use is no longer seen as an inescapable fact of life. It will also revitalise our poorest communities, disrupt drug markets, encourage investment and remove barriers to recovery.