The Health, Social Care and Sport committee has highlighted a series of concerns with the bill and said it will require significant amendments, should it proceed to stage two.

The member’s bill, introduced by Douglas Ross MSP, seeks to give people diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction a statutory right to receive treatment from a relevant professional.

The committee recognised the “strength of evidence” received throughout its stage one scrutiny which revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with availability and access to support services for those experiencing harm from drug or alcohol misuse.

However, its stage one report also highlighted widespread stakeholder concerns that the bill’s focus is too narrow and could lead to a deprioritising of prevention and early intervention when tackling harmful drug and alcohol use.

The committee said it has heard substantial evidence of the significant strain those working in drug and alcohol services are currently under and that the bill could potentially exacerbate pressure on the workforce and resources.

Fears that the three-week statutory deadline in the bill could compromise treatment quality, limit choice, and increase relapse risk are also highlighted.

There are also concerns about the way the bill might interact with the existing legal framework governing the rights of people suffering harm from alcohol or drug use. Should it proceed to stage two, the committee called on Mr Ross to consider further ways of ensuring that the bill works in tandem, rather than in conflict, with the existing policy and legal framework.

Clare Haughey MSP, convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our committee recognises the long-standing and serious harms that drug and alcohol misuse can have on individuals and families across Scotland. The number of people suffering from drug and/or alcohol use in Scotland is still far too high and our evidence made it clear that more must be done to tackle these issues.

“However, a majority of our committee do not believe this bill is the correct vehicle to effectively support those suffering harm from alcohol or drug use.

“Our report highlights our serious concerns with the bill in its current form and it is because of those concerns that a majority of our committee is unable to recommend to Parliament that the bill should proceed to Stage 2.

“We acknowledge the bill’s aim of helping those suffering from drug and alcohol misuse. However, our evidence has highlighted that the bill in its current form could negatively impact individuals who are suffering and put even greater strain on services that are already deeply stretched.

“On behalf of the committee, I am grateful to everyone who has provided evidence and informed our scrutiny of the general principles of this bill.”