It’s time to consider decriminalising drugs says doctors’ body
A doctors’ organisation has said that serious consideration should be given to decriminalising drug use to help tackle the "national emergency" of drug-related deaths in Scotland.
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh also recommends the introduction of a drugs consumption room and a heroin-assisted treatment programme in all major centres in Scotland.
There were 1,264 drug-related deaths recorded in Scotland during 2019, a rise of 6 per cent from 2018 when 1,187 drug related deaths were recorded, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS) data. The 2019 rate for deaths which involved substance use in Scotland was higher than across all EU countries and more than three times the UK as a whole.
In a report published today, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said the Scottish and UK Governments must work together to build a consensus and must see drug-related deaths as a public health issue and not a political issue.
Professor Angela Thomas, acting president of the college, said: "Each death represents the life of someone who had friends, family and support networks who cared deeply about them, which is absolutely heart-breaking.
"Many of the college's fellows and members regularly treat and consult with people who use drugs, and I know that the recent NRS data will be of great concern to them.
"Our report proposes some key interventions which can be taken now including the introduction of a drugs consumption room, and a heroin-assisted treatment programme in all major centres in Scotland as we see already at the Glasgow pilot scheme.
"Decriminalising drug use should be considered in Scotland, and the college would urge the UK Government and the Scottish Government to work collaboratively on this key policy area."
Kit Malthouse, UK Minister for Crime and Policing, said: "There are no UK Government plans to decriminalise drug possession.
"It would not eliminate the crime committed as a result of the illicit trade, nor would it address the harms associated with drug dependence and the misery that this can cause to families and communities.”