Fatalities rise while other countries reduce death toll

The Scottish Drugs Forum called the deaths“personal tragedies for the individuals and their families”and called for action.

Dave Liddell, chief executive of the Forum, Scotland’s national resource of expertise on drugs, said:“the fatal drug overdose deaths are clearly of a scale which is a national tragedy that requires a fundamental rethink of our approach.

“Other countries have achieved a reduction in overdose deaths by ensuring that people are appropriately retained in high-quality treatment and we must aspire to do the same.”

The Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs charity urged those affected by the deaths to seek support.

Chief executive officer Justina Murray said:“the statistics are extremely concerning, but we believe that this number would be even higher if not for the efforts families are making in keeping their loved ones safe and alive.

“We do not know the total number of families who will be dealing with drug-related loss and grief as nobody collects or publishes these statistics, but we know there will be many.

“This includes many who will be going without support and the opportunity to grieve due to the stigma, loneliness and isolation which are linked to drug-related bereavement.”

The charity officers a free confidential support service, funded by the Scottish Government, to anyone who has lost someone they care about where drugs has had an impact.

The service is for anyone who lives in Scotland and is over 16.

For more information, call the helpline on 08080 10 10 11 or visit www.sfad.org.uk.