Drop in drug misuse deaths welcomed
Last updated 2nd Sep 2025
New figures have revealed seven drug-related deaths were recorded in the Scottish Borders last year.
That's down from 11 the year before, and reflects a downward trend across the country.
But, despite falling to their lowest level since 2017, Scotland still has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe, with 1,017 lives lost last year.
Now a local drug and alcohol support service is encouraging anyone struggling to ask for help if they need it.
Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland at WithYou, said: “While I am pleased to see the number of drug-related deaths reduced, seven deaths are still too many, and my thoughts are with all those who have lost a family member or friend.
“I want to reassure people who are worried about their drug use, or that of a loved one, that support is available in the Borders and recovery is possible."
One mum told us she lost her 20-year-old son to addiction in 2021. Tracy said: "He was obviously more than just an addict, he was my son and he would have been an uncle by now as well."
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WithYou, which has an office at 125 High Street in Galashiels, offers free and confidential support, without judgement, to adults facing challenges with drugs and alcohol.
As well as web chats (wearewithyou.org.uk), a freephone number (0800 028 6664) and drop-ins, its recovery workers also travel to meet people in the best place for them.
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Louise continued: “To truly halt Scotland’s drugs crisis in its tracks, we must urgently prioritise two key areas. First, ensuring people understand their human rights, so that they know what support is available to them and how to access it.
“Secondly, we must turn our focus to prevention. The Scottish Government needs to take ambitious and far-reaching action now to stop today’s children and young people from becoming tragic statistics in reports 10, 20 or 30 years from now.
“For me, that means improving the quality of life in our most deprived communities, in order to protect future generations and create lasting change.”
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With a spate of drugs deaths linked to synthetic opiods already in 2025, there are concerns the recent downward trend in drug-related deaths will be short-lived.
Drugs policy minister Maree Todd said: "I can't wave a magic wand and take this hurt and harm away from Scotland; we need to work carefully and diligently."
Douglas McFarlane is the manager of Abbeycare rehab clinic. He begged the question: "What are they taking, what's in it? And I think that's the biggest problem. One week you're taking the same amount and the next week it could be a stronger batch you're getting."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/