People with problematic drug use and their families are being encouraged to make full use of the services and phonelines available for support over Christmas and New Year.

National helplines and many local services are available and the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie, urges anyone in crisis over the festive season to visit the Scottish Drugs Forum website for details of which are operating out of hours during that period.

Family members affected by a person’s drug use can call a helpline run by the charity Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs. Know The Score will also be providing support for anyone affected by substance use.

Christina said:

“We know this can be an extremely difficult time of year for people experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol and it is vital they and their families know where to turn for help.

"There are local and/or national services offering out-of-hours support which I hope people will take advantage of. South Lanarkshire Drug and Alcohol Service provide great information on support and services local to my constituents on their website.”