Drugs admissions to Scots hospitals treble

Drug-related admissions to Scotland’s hospitals have more than trebled in just over two decades, according to new figures.

Rates for admissions linked to opioids – such as heroin, morphine and codeine – increased by more than 400% over the period between 1996-97 and 2018-19.

Meanwhile, hospital admission rates for cocaine soared, with the figures showing a rise of 3,065% over the period.

The Public He a l t h Scotland report said: “Between 1996- 97 and 2018 -19, there was a greater than threefold increase in the rate of drug- related hospital stays in Scotland from 73 to 260 stays per 100,000 population.”

Admissions linked to opioid use increased from 73. 38 per 100,000 of population in 1996-97 to 259.9 per 100,000 in 2018-19.

Over the same period, admissions linked to cocaine use increased from 0.98 per 100,000 to 31.02 per 100,000, according to the data.

Admissions involving those aged between 35 and 44 increased from 56 to 501 per 100,000 population between 1996-7 and 2018-19.

The figures also showed that admissions for 15 to 24- year- olds increased from 126 per 100,000 in 2 01 2 -1 3 to 206 per 100,000 six years later.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Although these statistics pre-date the pandemic, they show that drug and alcohol support must be maintained as priority services.”

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: “The Scottish Government must be held accountable for this public health emergency.”