Call for methadone rethink
SCOTLAND has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe.
Figures show that in 2016, the number of overdoses rose by almost a quarter.
More than a third of those who died were on opiate substitutes including methadone.
In 2016, 865 people lost their lives to overdoses.
The year before, there were 695 such deaths.
The National Drugrelated Deaths Database (Scotland) report also showed fatalities from so-called “legal highs” trebled within a year, from 112 to 346.
Analysis of drug-related deaths in 2016 showed 37 per cent of the victims were on prescriptions for substances including methadone, intended to wean users off drugs. Most had been on the scripts for more than a year.
More than 300 people who died were taking a substitute substance BY VIVIENNE AITKEN v.aitken@dailyrecord.co.uk prescribed by the NHS, compared with 89 in 2009.
The average age of those who died increased to 41.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: “The rise in deaths is predominantly the result of a vulnerable group of older, long-term drug users who experience a range of chronic medical conditions. We need to do more to engage with those not in contact with services.”
Tory MSP Miles Briggs said a new drugs strategy was needed. He added: “Whatever is happening in Scotland isn’t working.”
Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar said: “The SNP Government’s strategy to tackle drugs has failed.”
Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said “providing heroin-assisted treatment and sending people who misuse drugs for treatment rather than to prison” would “reduce harm to individuals and society”.