The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Drugs death record is one no one wants
Council promises to set up commission amid warnings that problem has got worse for years
Health bosses have been urged to act amid fears 2018 could be Dundee’s worst ever year for drug-related deaths.
Dundee City Council is to launch a major drugs commission next month to explore new ways of tackling the issue after alarming official figures revealed the city’s problems with illegal substances are getting worse.
The city experienced a suspected 12 drug-related deaths last month alone, compared to 38 for the whole of 2016, raising fears a new record could be established by the end of the year.
Sharon Brand, from Recovery Dundee — a drug and alcohol support group, said it should be “no surprise” to those running the city’s public services.
“The way we look at addiction needs to change because there are so many people who are falling through the cracks,” she said.
“Dundee has the services and the ability to help people but it’s about working together and appreciating how serious this issue is.
“It’s got to the stage where this is what Dundee is known for and it’s incredibly emotional for me because I know these people and I know they are in despair.
“It should be no surprise to those working in health, social services or anyone else because it’s been getting worse for years and it’s been allowed to happen.”
Councillor Ken Lynn, the city’s lead for health and social care, confirmed the local authority is to hold a meeting on March 24.
“Drug deaths are a huge problem for Dundee,” he said.
“We’re going to be involving people from across Scotland and further afield to try and find new ways forward in tackling this.
“We need to look at ways of upping our game because the number of deaths has skyrocketed and I have no doubt this will be the worst year for it ever.
“I’d like to see urgent action on this — people need to know it is a priority for the city.”
Council leader John Alexander said the time had come to “stop talking about change and start delivering it”.
“That is exactly the reason that we are creating a drug commission to take a forensic look at the issues and come up with tangible actions,” he said.
“Some policy sits locally, some with the Scottish Government and some with the UK Government.
“When I see these reports, it reminds me that it could just as easily be my boys.
“The higher numbers coming through seem to relate somewhat to age profile, addicts from the 80s or 90s whose bodies can no longer sustain them, but not all. Prevention is key. Supporting recovery is key.”
Consultant in public health Dr Emma Fletcher said: “Every drug death is a tragedy and every effort is being made to prevent such deaths.
“Over a number of years in Scotland drug deaths have been increasing and this has also been the case in Dundee.
“We are aware that one of the reasons for the increase is due to an older population of drug users who are experiencing multiple health conditions.
“We do everything possible to closely monitor emerging risks and keep people safe through the provision of treatment and support.
“This includes an extensive Naloxone programme, encouraging those at risk and their families to have Naloxone in their homes so it can be administered in the event of an overdose.”
She added: “We are also improving the communication and information sharing between prescribing services and individuals.
“We offer targeted and specific intervention to individuals that have experienced non-fatal overdoses to avoid further incidents.
“Most significantly, during 2018 the Dundee Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) will be holding an independent commission on drug misuse in Dundee.
“Beginning in April, this will focus on examining the reasons and causes of drug use in Dundee and the impact on individuals, families and communities in the city. The commission will also focus on drugs deaths, identify and investigate the key causes and highlight what needs to happen to reduce deaths.”
dhealey@thecourier.co.uk