Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs supports the prospects of the long-overdue decision that will finally see the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing legislation. The legislation can help reduce alcohol-related harm, and ultimately reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
The 50p minimum price will see a reduction in the volume of high-strength; low-cost alcohol currently being consumed to hazardous levels. Consumption of alcohol in this way has a negative impact on all of us in Scotland – families, communities, and services such as the NHS, police and fire service.
Our organisation supports families across Scotland who have a loved one with problems around alcohol. We believe it is vital that the detrimental effects of high-strength, low-cost alcohol are publicised. We welcome the opportunity that this proposed legislation has given to have a national conversation about Scotland’s attitudes to and issues around alcohol.
Only by being open about alcohol misuse in Scotland can we start to tackle the stigma around alcohol dependency. This stigma can prevent those with issues around substances and their families seeking help. We want to see far greater support for the families who support their loved one through substance use day in day out, minimum unit pricing would be a step towards this.
- We know Minimum Unit Pricing is not a quick fix for all alcohol-related problems in Scotland, but it is a step in the right direction and one of a variety of whole-population measures being called for in the refresh of Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy.
- We believe this crucial step will help to reduce overall harm and may encourage those requiring treatment and those supporting them to seek out help sooner rather than later.
- The Minimum Unit Pricing legislation will give Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs the opportunity to understand and measure the impact of price as an influence and build the evidence base on how this affects families and communities across Scotland.
Notes to Editors:
About Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs:
Scottish Families’ is a membership organisation and hub of a national network of family support groups across Scotland providing information and support through:
- National Helpline – 08080 10 10 11
- National Telehealth programme
- Bereavement support service
- Website & web-chat facility, www.sfad.org.uk
- Direct support through regional/local family support groups.
For further information and comment contact:
Justina Murray, Interim CEO, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Tel 0141 465 7523, Mob 07904280669, email CEO@sfad.org.uk.