POLICE believe the number of suspected drug deaths in Scotland increased by 10% in 2023.
According to figures published as part of Police Scotland's quarterly report, there were 1197 suspected drug deaths between January and December 2023.
This was 10% more than in the same period of 2022 which saw 1092 deaths.
Greater Glasgow saw the highest number with 303, followed by Lanarkshire which had 147 and Edinburgh City with 118.
Men continue to account for the highest proportion of deaths, at 73%, while 27% were women.
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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.
Figures published by the Scottish Government also show that suspected drug deaths are on the rise again after previously being on a downward trend during Covid.
The Scottish Government Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said herself and First Minister Humza Yousaf are set to host a roundtable on drugs and alcohol this week, while stating that “every life lost is a tragedy”.
McKelvie said: “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 £112m available to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships.
She added: “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.”
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.”
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