Drug deaths report warns of ‘fractured’ treatment system

● Call for 16 recommendations including ‘cultural change’ in services

Problem drug use in Dundee “can be turned around” and the number of drug-related deaths reduced, according to a report.

The Dundee Drugs Commission, set up last year in response to an increasing number of fatalities, said it had found a “fractured” system of treatment and support.

The commission has published 16 recommendations which it says will take “strong and dedicated leadership over many years” to successfully implement.

These include a need for cultural change in drug treatment services, as well as addressing the root causes of drug problems.

The commission also highlighted issues for national consideration, including asking the Scottish Government to consider equal regulation of the whole substance use services and treatment sector.

It backed calls to petition the UK Government to grant increased devolved powers to allow for a full Scottish review of drug laws.

Chairman Robert Peat said: “I believe we have completed a robust analysis and our report has 16 challenging recommendations for the Dundee Partnership to address.

“In so doing, we feel that the situation in Dundee can be turned around and that there will be a reduction in the number of drug-related deaths in the city.

“One of our key recommendations focuses on leadership and it is the collective leadership in the city which must now show the determination to stick with what will be a difficult task over the coming months and years ahead.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This is a substantial report which is not only important for Dundee but also has relevance across Scotland.

“We will consider the recommendations for Government carefully and work with partners to implement them. Each and every death from drugs is a tragedy and we are extremely concerned by the continued rise.

“We know there is no simple answer and that more needs to be done to meet the needs of those who are most at risk from substance use.”

Ms Freeman added that the national Drug Death Taskforce, convened by public health minister Joe Fitzpatrick, would make the findings of the commission part of its focus.