Ministers urged to act as suspected drug deaths rise 10%

The Scottish Government has been warned "well-meaning words won't stop people dying" after suspected drug deaths increased 10% in 2023.

Figures released on Tuesday show 1,197 people died as a result of suspected drug use last year - up by 105 from 2022.

The figure - which is produced using management information from Police Scotland rather than deaths confirmed to have been caused by drugs - had been on the decline in recent years.

Ministers must use 'every tool' at their disposal

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton urged the Scottish Government to use "every tool at our disposal", calling for drug checking facilities and a "network" of safe consumption rooms to be set up across the country after such a service was approved for Glasgow last year.

"When 100 people a month are dying in Scotland's drugs deaths emergency, we need to be open to anything that will save them," he said.

"Each represents a life cut short and a family torn apart by grief.

"Every tool at our disposal needs to be used to reduce harm and save lives.

"That includes protecting the drug and alcohol budget, integrated drug checking facilities, and preparing now for a network of safe consumption rooms - because help can't just be limited to Glasgow.

"Well-meaning words won't stop people dying. Humza Yousaf and his Government must deliver swift change and ensure they never take their eye off the ball again."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie described the figures as "tragic", claiming they show the Scottish Government's approach "is not working".

She added: "Scotland remains in the grip of a drug death health emergency with lives being needlessly lost.

"We cannot allow any more delay to the implementation of drug checking facilities and the pilot safer drug consumption room in Glasgow."

Scottish Conservative Sue Webber pushed ministers to back her party's Right to Recovery (Scotland) Bill, describing the statistics as "utterly appalling and heartbreaking".

She added: "SNP ministers look to have taken their eye off the ball again with devastating consequences.

"It should be a source of shame for them that despite Scotland already having by far the worst drug fatality rate in Europe, the number of deaths is on the rise again.

"It is time he (First Minister Humza Yousaf) urgently backed those proposals so we can enshrine in law a right to treatment for all those who need it to finally get a grip on Scotland's drug deaths crisis."

Separated by police divisions, the figures show Greater Glasgow recorded the highest number of drug deaths with 303, more than double the 147 seen in Lanarkshire - the second highest.

Men continue to account for the highest proportion of deaths, at 73%, while 27% were women.

The 35 to 54 age group continued to have the highest proportion of suspected drug deaths, accounting for two-thirds of the total, while under-25s made up 5% of the total.

Scottish Government response

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said:

“Drug deaths in Scotland are still too high and every life lost is a tragedy. I am focused on working across Government, Parliament and beyond, to reduce deaths and improve lives.

“This week, the First Minister and I will hold a roundtable on drugs and alcohol to drive forward vital partnership working.

“Through our £250 National Mission on Drugs, we’re taking a wide range of measures and National Mission funds have now backed more than 300 grassroots projects. We’ll continue to expand residential rehabilitation capacity and drive MAT standards. We're also committed to delivering drug-checking facilities. This year, we’re made a record £112 million available to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships.

“We are working hard to respond to the growing threat posed by super-strong synthetic opioids and, in particular the increased appearance of nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. These are being found in a range of substances and bring with them increased risks of overdose, hospitalisation and death. Because they are many times stronger than opioids like heroin, I would urge people to carry extra life-saving naloxone kits.”

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