Drug deaths rise in Scotland to 1,172 people

The number of drug-related deaths rose in 2023 in Scotland with a total of 1,172 people losing their lives.

That’s up by 121 deaths from the year before, according to the National Records of Scotland.

Deaths from drug misuse are over four times higher now than in 2000, though this is the second lowest number of deaths in the last six years.

People from deprived areas are 15 times more likely to die from drug misuse than those from the least deprived areas.

Health secretary Neil Gray said the level of deaths remained “hugely concerning”.

He said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

“This level of deaths remains hugely concerning and underlines why we will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths caused by drugs.”

The highest rates of drug deaths continue to be in Glasgow and Dundee, while East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire registered the lowest rate of deaths.

The average age of people who died from drug misuse has increased from 32 to 45 since 2000.

The Scottish Conservatives have said the rise is “shocking and shameful”.

Leader Douglas Ross said: “Drug deaths continue to be Scotland’s national shame on the SNP’s watch. Behind this heartbreaking increase in drug deaths are families grieving the loss of loved ones and my thoughts are with all of them.

“Scotland’s drug deaths rate is by far the worst in Europe and the SNP’s approach is simply not working.”

Men made up the majority of deaths in 2023 at 805, which is an increase of 16 per cent from 2022. Female drug misuse deaths increased two per cent (eight deaths).

The majority of deaths are classified as accidental poisonings, while the most common types of drugs implicated in deaths last year were opiates and opioids.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the Scottish Government had “failed to live up to its promises”.

She added: “The SNP Government, which is still desperately trying to correct its own historic cuts to alcohol and drug services, must stop breaking its promises to families.

“It must urgently address its complete failure to provide enough residential rehab beds, deliver drug checking facilities and finally establish a safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow without any further delay.”