Dundee drug misuse commission to explore 'controversial' treatment methods
Officials say they now need to think outside the box when it comes to tackling the issue in the city
Safe-injecting rooms are to be explored, as a way of driving down the number of drug deaths in Dundee.
It is part of a new strategy drawn up by the council, police, NHS Tayside and several charities as they look at new ways of tackling the issue.
Just recently it emerged that 12 people died in the city from overdoses in January of this year alone.
Councillor Ken Lynn, chair of the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The situation in Dundee has got to a point where we need to take a new approach to provide solutions to save and improve people’s lives.
“The drugs toll in our city cannot be tolerated and we need to ensure that all those who can play a part are helping to find solutions.
“So, I am pleased that the commission is being launched at a meeting of the Dundee Partnership Forum and that the minister for public health and sport is making a contribution.
“We are appointing a chair and commissioners to investigate the issues and to come back with recommendations. I am also very keen that the views of those local people suffering from drug problems can have their voices heard.
“There are no easy answers but I am keen that we use this as an opportunity to demonstrate our determination to create a better city for everyone who lives here.”
Councillor Lynn added: “Dundee is undergoing an amazing transformation that is bringing us unprecedented international attention.
“But there are still many of our people who are prevented from playing their part in the city’s new future because their lives are blighted by drugs.
“I want that to change and I see the commission as a way to achieve that.”
Dr Drew Walker, Director of Public Health and Chair of the Dundee Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, welcomes the setting up of this commission.
He said: “The increasing number of drug deaths in Dundee is a major public health concern.
"A significant number of people in the city have problem drug use - more so than in many other areas of Scotland.
Problem drug use is strongly associated with socioeconomic deprivation and to tackle this we need to create opportunities and employment for our population.
“The changes that are currently happening in Dundee are crucial to helping achieve this.
"Work is being undertaken by the Dundee ADP to provide support and care to people who take drugs, their friends and families but the commission will provide invaluable additional expertise to reduce problem drug use and consequent drug deaths in future".