New residential rehab centre opens to help addicts
BBCThe north east of Scotland's first government-funded residential rehabilitation centre has been opened as part of efforts to do more to help addicts.
The 27-bed Rae House facility in Alford, Aberdeenshire, is the first phase of a new project.
First Minister John Swinney said the investment of £11m into Rae House would help "address geographic barriers" in assisting those battling drug and alcohol addiction.
He added: "We want every person experiencing harm to be able access the support they need."
PA MediaImproving access to residential rehabilitation centres has been a priority for the Scottish government.
Mr Swinney toured the facility, and said it would help reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
People are referred for treatment which can last between three and six months.
There is also an emphasis on recovery through nature given the centre's rural setting.
A large facility is also planned for Aberdeen to help tackle drug and alcohol problems.
Justin Taylor, 46, is a recovering alcoholic who has used residential services in the past.
"I didn't have a purpose," he said.
"This has taught me to realise where my problems began, what was affecting me, and why I was behaving the way I was, everybody I was letting down.
"It taught me I do have a purpose and gave me a daily structure. It really taught me the value of life again.
"I had a few scares from the doctors about my health and my liver and things like that, so I thought if I don't do something now it is never going to happen."
Stephen Kennedy, residential manager at Rae House, said people don't need to go to funding panels and either self-refer or be referred by local authorities
He added: "Sometime people don't have the services available in the north east of Scotland and this will save a lot of lives.
"Sometimes it is about striking when the iron is hot, when people are ready get them in so they don't deteriorate and they don't die.
"That's the goal so they can get a quality of life back."