Health minister approves alcohol and drug policy through 2035

Iceland’s health minister, Alma D. Möller, has approved a new policy on alcohol and substance-use prevention through 2035, mbl.is reported, citing an announcement on the government’s website.

The policy focuses on strengthening prevention and early intervention, improving access to treatment, rehabilitation and harm-reduction services, and increasing support for family members and children of people with substance-use problems.

Its aim is to reduce harm caused by alcohol and other drugs and ensure people have equal access to a range of services suited to their needs. Public health, evidence-based knowledge and respect for human rights are guiding principles, the announcement said.

A working group appointed by the health minister developed the policy. The previous policy dated from 2013, and the government said it was time to review it in light of changes in society, attitudes towards alcohol and substance-use problems, and knowledge about prevention and treatment.

The policy will be implemented through a five-year action plan. Planned measures include clarifying the responsibilities of service providers, improving staff training and recruitment, integrating health and social services, and strengthening data collection and evaluation.

The plan also aims to introduce coordinated assessments of service needs and a central waiting list. A steering group for the alcohol and drug treatment system will lead this work with service providers, users and other stakeholders, setting priorities and defining responsibilities, timelines, indicators and costs.

The policy is linked to the government’s existing harm-reduction policy and action plan, as well as its mental health policy, since mental health problems often occur alongside alcohol or other substance-use problems.