Shocking new stats
Double during lockdown
A shocking report has revealed local drug deaths have more than doubled during the COVID-19 lockdown.
A total of 21 people across Lanarkshire are suspected to have lost their lives to drugs since the start of lockdown.
This staggering snapshot, for the period March 23 till May 1, is just one third short of the total number of county drug-related deaths for the whole of 2019.
Compiled by South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, the figures are a stark reminder of the harms, dangers and risks associated with illegal drug use.
In South Lanarkshire, the highest number of suspected COVID-19 drug deaths were in Hamilton (six), with one in East Kilbride and one in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area.
The News has since received unconfirmed reports of two further overdoses in East Kilbride in the last fortnight resulting in the deaths of a man and young mum – which would take the local lockdown death toll to three.
Sixty-two per cent of those recorded in the report were men aged between 31 and 55.
And, tragically, 75 per cent of those deceased had suffered a previous near-fatal overdose – one within a week prior, one between one and six months prior and four, six months prior to their death.
Only two out of the eight found dead were in recent contact with the Addictions Service.
The data also charts drugs and alcohol found at the scene.
In East Kilbride, a gas canister and drug paraphernalia was discovered, while heroin, white powder, tablets, methadone and alcohol were found in Hamilton, along with tin foil, spoons, pipes, syringes and a grinder.
In North Lanarkshire the grim death toll was higher with 13 suspected drug deaths during lockdown – nine male and four female – compared to last year’s total of 18.
The highest number of deaths was in Coatbridge (5), with three in Motherwell, two in Bellshill, two in Cumbernauld and one in Airdrie.
Commenting on the findings, East Kilbride Police Chief Inspector Lex Baillie said: “I would like to remind the public of the risks associated with taking non-prescribed medication and dangers of drugs misuse.
“Always refuse if offered tablets or drugs with an unknown origin, and report any instances to police as soon as possible.
“Each death is a tragedy and there is support for people in South Lanarkshire who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, South Lanarkshire Council Community Addiction Recovery Service (CAReS) – East Kilbride are based in the local social work offices and aim to provide support, advice and assistance to enable you to change how the use of alcohol and/or drugs affects your life.
“They provide an initial assessment and then identify, with you, an individual plan to assist in your recovery. This can range from short term assistance to more long term support depending upon your circumstances.”
NHS Lanarkshire’s clinical director for addictions Dr Adam Brodie said: “The figures highlighted are suspected drug-related deaths which are yet to be confirmed. Anyone who loses their life through substance misuse is a tragedy and the knock-on effects on the people who know and care for the deceased are always deeply distressing.
“I would like to stress that, during this unprecedented time, our drug and alcohol support services remain open. We would encourage anyone with a substance misuse problem to get in touch with our services.”
If you, or someone you know, has a drug problem call the ‘Know the Score’ helpline (0333 230 9468) which has trained advisers available Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. Alternatively visit NHS inform (www.nhsinform.scot/) which provides details of the available services in the Lanarkshire area.