Drugs kill more people in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe after record 1,187 died last year

DRUGS have killed more people in Scotland than anywhere else in the EU after 1,187 people died last year.

The huge number, the worst total since records began, is almost triple that of the UK.

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It is at the highest level since current records began in 1996 and more than double the 2008 figure of 574.

The National Records of Scotland statistics indicate the figure is above 1,000 for the first time and 253 (27 per cent) more than the previous year.

SHOCKING

Scotland's Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said the figure is "shocking", and said innovative and bold new approaches are needed to save lives.

He also repeated calls for the UK Government to enable the creation of safer drug consumption rooms.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde accounted for the greatest proportion of drug related deaths with a third (394).

This was followed by NHS Lothian with 152 (13 per cent) and NHS Lanarkshire at 130 (11 per cent).

It is vital this tragedy is treated as a public health issue, and we are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.

Joe FitzPatrick

Deaths from opiates or opioids, such as heroin, morphine, or methadone, were implicated in, or potentially contributed to, 1,021 deaths.

For benzodiazepines such as diazepam and etizolam, this figure was 792.

Men accounted for the majority (72 per cent) of the drug-related deaths.

The 35-44 age group was associated with the most deaths at 442, followed by those aged 45-54 (345).

TRAGEDY

Mr FitzPatrick said: "The number of people who have lost their lives because of drug use is shocking.

"It is vital this tragedy is treated as a public health issue, and we are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.

"Last week, I gave evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee and I asked for help in persuading the UK Government to either act now to enable us to implement a range of public health-focused responses - including the introduction of supervised drug consumption facilities - or devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament so that we can act.

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"I want to ensure that the work of the new taskforce which I have established is driven by strong evidence and the voices of those with experience of using drugs, and their families, are heard.

"I am determined to shape our services in every walk of life to prevent harm and reduce the appalling number of deaths.

"So I will give consideration to any proposals they bring forward which may help to tackle this issue and, ultimately, save lives."

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