Drug-related deaths in Scotland at highest-ever level
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen to its highest-ever level and the age of drug users at death has also increased, according to Scottish government statistics.
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has risen to its highest-ever level and the age of drug users at death has also increased, according to Scottish government statistics.
Figures published on Tuesday (August 25) show there were 613 drug-related deaths registered in Scotland in 2014, an increase of 16 per cent on 2013 and 72 per cent higher than in 2004.
The average age of people in Scotland dying of drug-related causes has increased to 40, ten years higher than when recording began in 1996.
Heroin and/or morphine were implicated in 50 per cent of deaths (309) more than in any of the previous four years, while methadone (a heroin substitute) potentially contributed to 214 deaths.
Overall, one or more opiates or opioids (such as heroin) potentially contributed to 87 per cent of deaths (535). By comparison, cocaine caused 45 deaths and alcohol 106.
The figures also show there were 62 deaths in which new psychoactive substances (NPS) were implicated, two more than in the previous year.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Paul Wheelhouse said the figures highlight that while there has been some progress in tackling drug use, Scotland still faces a huge challenge to tackle the damaging effects of long-term drug use among ageing individuals.
We also remain committed to doing all that we can to tackle NPS. These substances are not legal if sold for human consumption and their use can, and does, have fatal consequences, he said.
I am realistic about the fact there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating individuals with problem drug use, but we will continue to build on the good progress made and look for ways to improve how we tackle the damaging impact of drugs in Scotland.
Police Scotlands national drugs coordinator Detective Inspector Michael Miller said the increase in drug-related deaths was a concern.
The purity of heroin and cocaine has steadily increased over the past four years. Poly-drug use is also a danger as the combination of different drugs within the body can significantly increase the risk to the user, he said.