NHS Scotland has met the national drug and alcohol treatment waiting times standard for community services every year going back to 2011 when it was first set

From National drug and alcohol treatment waiting times 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 Accredited official statistics, published today:

  • 7,034 referrals to community-based services started treatment, broadly similar to the previous quarter (7,009).
  • Nationally, the Standard was met for referrals to community-based services, with 92.4% (6,501) of referrals starting treatment within three weeks, compared with 92.6% in the previous quarter. Across all substance types, the Standard was met for drugs (94.2%), problematic use of both alcohol and drugs (91.5%) and alcohol (91.4%).

Source: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times/national-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-waiting-times-1-january-2026-to-31-march-2026/

Since 2021, when the current system of recording was put in place, NHS Scotland has never failed to meet the standard, other than in prisons. https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/show-all-releases?id=20553

Prior to that and going back to 2011 when the standard was first set, there are no reports of ever missing the 90% target.

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2 thoughts on “NHS Scotland has met the national drug and alcohol treatment waiting times standard for community services every year going back to 2011 when it was first set”

  2. Well at least the treatment goals are being reached and maintained. Lets hope the support and treatment provided helps some users to break or at least help manage better their dependence.

    Stephen McKenzie

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