The Catch-up: Why are so many people dying in Scotland because of drugs?

What happened?

Scotland recorded its highest-ever number of drug related deaths last year. There were 1,187 fatalities related to drugs registered in 2018, climbing above 1,000 for the first time and 27% (253) higher than the previous year. Scotland’s drugs death rate is nearly triple that of the UK as a whole and higher than the reported rate for any other country in the EU. Scotland’s Public Health Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said the figure is “shocking” and innovative and bold new approaches are needed to save lives.

Why is it so bad in Scotland?

Scotland has an unusually high number of 'problem' drug users, defined as people involved in recurrent drug use that causes actual harm to the person. This type of drug user is more likely to die than a purely recreational drug user. The types of drugs people take also contributes to the high levels of fatalities. The vast majority of drugs deaths in Scotland - 1,021 out of 1,187 - involved heroin. A large proportion of those deaths also involved a second drug. Dr Saket Priyadarshi, of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde addiction services, told MPs last week there is a trend for long-term heroin users to take new street pills, which leads to lethal combinations.

Mr FitzPatrick repeated calls for the UK Government to enable the creation of safer drug consumption rooms. He said: “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.”

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37.45%

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