New Plan Aims To Tackle Substance Use In NI

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new strategic plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland.

The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 outlines a four-year strategy to reform and recommission these vital services.

Minister Nesbitt emphasised the urgent need to address health inequalities, particularly in relation to substance use. He highlighted the stark disparity in drug-related deaths between deprived and affluent areas, vowing to take decisive action to reduce this tragic toll.

The new plan aims to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and accessible support services for individuals struggling with substance use and their families.

The Plan includes measures which seek to ensure access to a continuum of service with clear pathways and step-up/step-down provision; equal access to community detoxification for alcohol and other drugs across NI; provide support to address the wider physical, mental health, and wellbeing needs of those in treatment, and recognises the importance of joint working between the community/voluntary sector, service users and peers, and the Health & Social Care Sector. Minister Nesbitt continued: "This Plan has been co-produced with over 150 representatives across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. In particular the process has involved working with those with lived and living experience of substance use, and their families. I have personally met with families and individuals affected by this issue, and it is vital we learn from their experiences and ensure that we provide services that meet their needs."

Minister Nesbitt also highlighted the need for everyone to play their part in tackling the stigma associated with this issue. He concluded: "I am sure we all know someone who has been affected by substance use. And yet the stigma that surrounds those impacted – by the public, by professionals, by the system, and by individuals themselves – only serves to exacerbate harm. We need to move the conversation from blame and stigma to understanding what we need to do as a society to reduce this harm."

Dr Ciara McKillop, Interim Director for Community Care for the Department of Health's Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), said: "Our services should reflect the needs of our population and the vision and actions contained within the Plan highlight our commitment to service reform which supports our workforce, to provide people with substance use issues, families and caring networks, access to the right support, at the right time, in the right place by the right people."

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency (PHA) said: "Collaboration is key to tackling this issue together across the Health and Social Care system. I welcome the recognition in this Plan of the need to focus on population needs through a prevention and early intervention approach within the substance use sector to ensure the right care is provided at the right time to reduce harms associated with substance use for individuals, families and communities."