Lifeline Edinburgh addiction rehab programme expands treatment capacity

An Edinburgh rehabilitation programme has expanded its capacity to support people struggling with addiction across the Lothians.

Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) has added eight residential rehabilitation places and four detox places.

It means the service, at the Astley Ainslie in Morningside, Edinburgh, will be able to host 28 people in its residential service, and up to 12 in the detox programme.

It’s one of the first projects to be funded through the Scottish Government’s Residential Rehabilitation Rapid Capacity Programme.

The government has a target to treble the number of publicly-funded residential rehabilitation placements to 1,000 by 2026.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance MSP said: “I am pleased to launch these additional services at LEAP which provide invaluable, life-saving care to people affected by substance use in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“Of course, work on residential rehab is not just about creating more beds.

“We want to improve pathways through and out of residential rehab, and LEAP is a perfect example of good practice in this area with their three-month holistic programme of therapeutic care.

“We are investing £250 million over the course of this Parliament in a range of different treatments and services in order that all those affected, and their families, can receive the support which is right for them when they need it.

“£100 million of this is available for the development of residential rehabilitation services and associated aftercare.”

LEAP Clinical lead Dr David McCartney said: “We are thrilled to be launching significant developments to the LEAP residential rehabilitation service including improved access, greater capacity and more comprehensive aftercare.

“These improvements are being made possible due to investment from the Scottish Government and the Lothian Alcohol and Drug Partnerships.

“LEAP and our partners will see improved outcomes for our patients and their families who are struggling with addiction to substances, helping them move to recovery – something that will benefit individuals, families and communities.”