Evaluation of the National Mission on Drug Deaths: exploring changes to family support

This publication presents findings from an externally commissioned study on the support available to families of individuals with experience of using drugs. The study explores any changes in the support since 2021, when the National Mission was introduced. The study also explores what family support provision is currently like in Scotland. The study captures the perspective of family members and family support providers.

The study provides some evidence which suggests that the experience may have improved for some families. However, challenges remain. For example, the study highlights issues in relation to families' awareness of the support available to them and points out that a sense of shame is still stopping some families from coming forward for support. Family respondents also highlight low levels of satisfaction with how they are involved in the treatment of their loved one.