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Nicola Sturgeon, Health Secretary, opened the new alcohol and drug addiction centre at Gartnavel Royal Hospital Glasgow on the 21st August. The centre is named after Peter Kershaw, a former Glasgow Psychiatrist, it offers co-ordinated drug and alcohol services under “one roof”. The service will support those whose complex needs cannot be managed in the community. Ms Sturgeon is reported as saying “it’s a fantastic facility” Alcohol and drug misuse not only causes neurological complications but it is increasingly recognised that those with long term neurological conditions are more susceptible to substance misuse. Evidence is scant but a recent study suggests that 20% of people affected by MS may, at some time, misuse alcohol. This area of long term conditions self management remains largely neglected and further research and support is necessary.Scotland’s new national drug policy (The Road to Recovery- a new Approach to Tackling Scotland’s Drug Problem) was endorsed by parliament on 4th June 2008 and is available at www.scotland.gov.uk. Recommendations included:· Raising the minimum age for off-sales alcohol purchases to 21· Setting a minimum price at which a unit of alcohol can be sold· Ending 'three for the price of two' type promotions.· A 'social responsibility fee' for some alcohol retailers to help pay for the consequences of alcohol misuse and reduce the burden on the general taxpayer· Introducing alcohol-only checkouts in large off-sales premises. The Kershaw Unit at Gartnavel Royal Hospital is an exciting new development offering a daily range of treatments and opportunities to learn new skills. Outcomes will be the subject of public interest in that the Scottish Government has committed £120 million over the next 3 years for alcohol prevention, treatment and support services.Peter Kershaw, after whom unit is named, specialised in substance abuse and published key papers on alcohol in women (1992) and the prevalence of problem drinking and alcoholism in the West of Scotland (1978).