Double during virus lockdown
ANDREA LAMBROU
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, there was one suspected COVID-19 drug death in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area, with the highest number (six) in Hamilton, and one in East Kilbride.
The Reformer 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 (five), with one in Airdrie, three in Motherwell, two in Bellshill and two in Cumbernauld.
Commenting on the findings, Rutherglen’s Inspector Stephen McManus said: “Drug and substance misuse can severely affect a person’s physical and mental health but also has a deep and profound impact on family, friends and on occasion can end in tragedy.
“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.
“I would urge anyone that is involved in drug taking to seek help, particularly during lock down when we can all feel isolated and distanced from others.
“Support services are still available during lockdown and can be accessed online or via telephone.
“Reducing the harm caused by drugs misuse is a priority for the Police in Lanarkshire Division and I would ask anyone with any information on drugs activity to contact us on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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.