Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the Substance Misuse Service Annual Report 2016-17 which outlined the objectives for the forthcoming year.

The report provided statistical information on a range of different referral categories and breakdown of data in relation to age, gender and substances used.

The following queries were raised on the report:-

·       In response to a query raised regarding homelessness caused by alcohol/drugs dependency, the Senior Manager-Complex Needs and Transition stated that there were close links with homelessness and alcohol/drug use which had been considered and included within Homelessness Strategy.

·       With regard to rehabilitation, it was asked, if the ‘dry house’ project was working? The Senior Manager-Complex Needs and Transition explained to the Committee that the project, based in Ty Croes, was a 5 bedroom property, specifically aimed to assist individuals who were on a journey of recovery by providing specialist advice within a supportive environment and that there had been a number of success stories in relation to the project.

·       In response to a query raised regarding alcohol and drug related brain damage, the Senior Manager-Complex Needs and Transition stated that whilst there was evidence to suggest that there was a link between alcohol and people developing cognitive difficulties leading to dementia in later life, there was no real evidence to suggest a link between drug use and brain damage.  However, there could be links with drug use and the possible impact on mental health.

·       With regard to the introduction of a minimum unit price on alcohol in Scotland the Director of Public Health informed the Committee that the Welsh Government were committed to adopt a unit pricing structure within Wales and that it was hoped a formal sign off would take place this summer followed by a 2 year implementation phase.

·       A query was raised regarding the Drug Aid Bus and how much it was utilised. The Director of Public Health stated that as the bus was owned by DDAS she would be happy to make enquiries and provide figures to the Committee.

 UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.