Tackling substance abuse is a ‘priority’ for NHS Tayside

Health board claims substance misuse is a major public health issue at the national level

NHS Tayside has said tackling drug abuse is one of its priorities.

A spokeswoman for the health board said use of illegal drugs remains a “major public health issue” across Scotland.

Dundee has the highest rate of drug deaths in the country and new figures reveal thousands of patients have presented at Ninewells Hospital’s accident and emergency department after overdosing on drugs, such as heroin, benzodiazipines, legal highs and cocaine.

An NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “Substance misuse is a major public health issue at national level and remains a priority for NHS Tayside.

“We see patients admitted to our emergency departments due to illegal drug use and, unfortunately, people can die after arriving at hospital due to their level of toxicity from the substance they have taken.

“There is huge variation in the strength and content of drugs sold illegally as it is an unregulated industry.

“Even if you have taken a particular drug before with no major ill effects, this does not mean you will have the same response the next time you take it. There is no safe way to take drugs recreationally and the only way to ensure that you don’t come to harm from using drugs is not to use them.”

She said the health board works with a number of other groups to help users beat their addictions.

She said: “NHS Tayside works closely with its partners including the three regional Alcohol & Drug Partnerships (ADPs) and supports the provision and development of recovery-focused services within the community.

“Substance misuse services identify, assess and respond to a wide range of issues, recognising the significance of family, relationship, housing, mental health, employment and education in recovery.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said :“Drug use among the general population continues to fall, while drug taking levels among young people remain low and drug use in Dundee is going down according to recent statistics.

“The Scottish Government has invested over £630 million to tackle problem alcohol and drug use since 2008, with the bulk of our funding, £574 million, being provided via NHS boards to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for investment in local prevention, treatment and recovery support services.

“Meanwhile, Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce a national naloxone programme to reduce the effects of overdoses – this includes over 2,400 kits distributed in NHS Tayside since 2011-12.”

Even if you have taken a particular drug before with no major ill effects, this does not mean you will have the same response the next time you take it