Midlothian & East Lothian Drugs And Alcohol Partnership

Raising awareness of the work that is being done to reduce the harm caused to by the use of alcohol and drugs.

MELDAP was formed in November 2008 with high-level representation from East Lothian and Midlothian Councils, NHS Lothian, the voluntary sector and Lothian and Borders Police, now Police Scotland.

Our primary aim is to coordinate the design, delivery and evaluation of drug and alcohol services across East Lothian and Midlothian.

This will ensure that services are needs-led, based on evidence of what makes a difference, and delivered in an effective and efficient way. A key component of this approach is that services are designed around the needs and aspirations of people who need support to address their alcohol and drugs use , and who are given the opportunity to play a key role in service design, delivery and how well they are meeting their needs including support for children, young people and families.

MELDAP and its services are committed to the principle of recovery through a person-centred approach with the aim of supporting people achieve their own recovery goals.

Scottish Drugs Forum- Raised concerns after increase in sudden overdoses among people using heroin in Scotland

https://sdf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SDF-Overdose-Alert.March-2025.pdf

Raised concerns after increase in sudden overdoses among people using heroin in Scotland

https://www.scottishdrugservices.com/

https://sdf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SDF-Overdose-Alert.March-2025.pdf

Recovery can mean a move towards abstinence, stability, self-development or employment.

Issues to do with drugs and alcohol affect people from all walks of life and in many different ways. We commission a number of drug and alcohol services available to people of all ages and backgrounds living in Midlothian and East Lothian. All services and how to refer can be found in the MELDAP service directory and a printable version can be accessed here.

While good progress has been made there is still challenges ahead such as those highlighted below by the people who use our services.

It is about catching people at the right time and having services to support that willingness to change.

We need a better recovery network, more events.

We have to challenge stigma-not being ashamed of your past, stigma affects the whole family.

Residential rehabilitation (known as rehab) programmes aim to support individuals to attain an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle and be re-integrated into society. They provide intensive psychosocial support and a structured programme of daily activities which residents are required to attend over a fixed period.

If you are looking for support please phone the number below:

SERVICES

What We Do

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you are worried about you own or someone else’s alcohol and drug use and want to do something about it, here you’ll find information on how to can get help from a number of services, many local.

RECOVERY SERVICES

Everyday people recover from their problematic alcohol and drug use. There are many ways recovery can be achieved and here you will find the services and support to help you change.

CHALLENGING STIGMA

People who use alcohol and drugs often face stigma, shame and discrimination, preventing them getting the help they need. We all have a responsibility to challenge stigma when faced with it.

I'VE BEEN THERE TOO

People’s stories of change can help others understand what is possible. Here are the stories, poems, pictures and photographs from people who understand what can be achieved.

HELP FOR FAMILIES

Families and friends are also affected when a loved one uses alcohol and drugs in a harmful way. Here you will find information about services and support available, including support for those with a caring role for someone affected by problematic alcohol and drug use.

HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

For many young people, part of growing up means taking risks and, for some, experimenting with alcohol and drugs. Here you will find information about alcohol and drug use together with details of services for young people to help keep them safe.

ONLINE HELP & SUPPORT

Support comes in many forms. For many, online help and communities provide valuable contact with others who understand the situation and can provide support through their own experiences.

PROFESSIONALS & TRAINING

Information, support and training available for staff working with people using or affected by someone’s alcohol or drug use, which are often linked to other factors such as mental health, employment and violence. Includes service information to strengthen partnership working.