Drugs deaths drop bucks trend
The number of drug deaths dropped in West Lothian this year despite Scotland hitting a record high.
The latest data released by the National Records of Scotland shows that across Scotland our annual death rate is now 3.5 times that of the UK as a whole.
In West Lothian, the number of annual drug-related deaths dropped by two, from 25 to 23.
The figures show that the number of drugrelated deaths in Edinburgh and the Lothians have risen from a previous record high last year of 152 to a new record high of 155.
Across Scotland, the figures have risen from 1187 in 2018 to 1264 in 2019.
In the last 10 years, the number of drugrelated deaths has more than doubled in Lothian from 73 deaths in 2010 to 155 deaths in 2019.
The number of drug-related deaths from heroin, in Lothian, has risen from 56 in 2018 to 69 in 2019.
Drug-related deaths from Benzodiazepine rose from 94 in 2018 to 109 in 2019, with ‘street valium’ drug related deaths rising from 69 to 85, of which Etizolam rose from 42 to 72.
Drug-related deaths from cocaine rose from 51 in 2018 to 62 in 2019.
And the number of alcohol-related deaths
dropped from 25 in 2018 to 22 in 2019.
Lothian Conservative list MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Cuts to drug rehab beds and addiction programmes by SNP Ministers have been counterproductive in reducing drug-related deaths in Scotland.
“SNP Ministers have failed to prevent people from using drugs in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s or to support people off drugs if they have become addicted.”
Lothian Labour list MSP, Neil Findlay, hosted a Zoom event recently with academics, activists and experts on drug-related deaths attended by over 300 people.
He said: “This government can no longer sit back and deflect the responsibility of this issue elsewhere.
“The responsibility lies with Scottish Ministers.
“If they are unwilling to take the action needed then they should step aside so fresh leadership can be given.”
Almond Valley, SNP MSP Angela Constance added: “The rising number of drug-related deaths is a public health emergency and to prevent this tragic loss of life will require better and quicker access to treatment.
“Following the advice from the Drugs Death Task Force, The Scottish Government will set out new plans for rehabilitation services in the New Year.
“It is imperative that we reach out and support families who are doing their best to support a love one battling with addiction.
“We also have to really challenge stigma as drug addiction can affect any family but services have to recognise that those battling addiction are often also battling past traumas, mental illness and other difficult life events.”