We must have more robust action now
Deaths in Lanarkshire up by 27 per cent
Public health intelligence advisor at NHS Health Scotland Elinor Dickie has said that something needs to be done to reverse the trend.
She said:“For the first time, 2018 saw over a thousand drug-related deaths in Scotland. We should not underestimate the impact of those losses on individuals, families and communities across the country.
“Drug-related deaths are now a substantial contributor to worsening life expectancy trends.
“Action must be taken to address the underlying causes and improve the circumstances in which people live. Systematic changes are needed to reduce harm and save lives.
“The outcome we all want is fewer people dying at an early age, and we should to do whatever it takes to ensure everyone in Scotland’s right to health.
“Sometimes that might include helping people live with their drug use whilst we tackle the more enduring issues that led them to use drugs in the first place. In this way we can support them to sustain change on their road to recovery.
“Drug-related deaths are preventable. With compassion and support from joined-up services, creating hope for people in need, and laws that seek to cut harm, we can turn the rising tide around.”
Meanwhile, Addaction said that drug users must stopped being criminalised.
Scotland’s largest drug and alcohol charity, Addaction provides addiction services across South Lanarkshire.
A spokeswoman for the charity told us:“We need to connect users with treatment and support to make the changes they desperately need.
“Many people who are dependent on drugs are trying to block out painful and traumatic experiences – so putting them in prison will only make things worse. This also puts divisions in our communities. We don’t lock up people who use alcohol and tobacco; so why are drug users treated differently?
“We see so many people successfully going through Addaction’s services and moving on to fulfilling lives. Many of our people in recovery train to become support workers themselves and use their own lived histories to help others.
“Every person has potential and deserves a chance in life. Making drug use a public health issue and not a criminal one is an important stepping stone for South Lanarkshire and Scotland.”
If you or someone you know needs drug or alcohol support, get in touch with Addaction South Lanarkshire. The support is free, anyone can self-refer and there’s a specialist young person’s service. NICOLA FINDLAY
An East Kilbride MSP is calling on the Westminister government to back her party’s calls for the introduction of drug consumption rooms.
Linda Fabiani had declared an “emergency” over the increase in drug related-deaths. The country’s drug death rate is now nearly three times that of the UK as a whole, and is higher than that reported for any other EU country. Latest statistics have revealed drugrelated deaths in Scotland soared last year – topping 1000 for the first time. NHS Lanarkshire saw the third highest number of drug-related deaths in Scotland with a record 130 – 11 per cent of the Scottish total. The figures from the National Records of Scotland go on to reveal that in South Lanarkshire there was an 18 per cent jump between 2017 and 2018. Drug-related deaths rose from 49 to 58. In 2018, 13 of those were female – compared to just three in 2008. While the figure jumped from 20 to 45 in men. And the last 10 years saw a massive 152 per cent rise from 23 in 2008. MSP Linda Fabiani is now calling for the Tory government to devolve “powers over drug laws so new emergency measures can be implemented” or work with Holyrood.
But Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson accused the Scottish Government of taking a “cowardly approach” by pressing for drug consumption rooms, knowing it is something Westminster doesn’t agree with.
Ms Fabiani said: “Innovative and evidencebased action is required from the Scottish and UK Governments to help tackle the problem.
“The Scottish Government is committed to doing that, and the Alcohol and Drug strategy launched late last year aims to treat people and all their complex needs – not just addiction but also tackling the inequalities and traumas behind substance misuse and intervening early in order to help those at risk.
“The Scottish Parliament backed calls for a supervised drug consumption facility in Glasgow, yet the UK Government blocked it.”
Mr Simpson said: “The crisis in relation to drugs-related deaths in Scotland should now be a number one concern for this SNP government.
On its watch, these fatalities – all of which are avoidable – have more than doubled since it came to power.
“They should be focusing their efforts on rehabilitation and abstinence-based recovery, the very services they have cut to the bone.” The Scottish Conservatives last year set out a plan to cut drug deaths by half – proposing a “second chance” plan for drug users caught for the first time, a review of the SNP’s controversial methadone programme, and new personalised “life plans” for every drug user to help them beat their addiction. Meanwhile, Labour’s Monica Lennon MSP said Scotland’s drug crisis is “out of control and the status quo cannot continue”. She said: “Behind these heartbreaking numbers are devastated families who have lost sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, in every part of Scotland. “But it is clear the UK Government must also reassess its approach and listen to experts and those living with substance misuse to find the best way to stop more families being left heartbroken. “These drug deaths are preventable and our governments at Holyrood and Westminster must work together to solve this national crisis.” Within Lanarkshire the vast majority (115) of deaths were classed as accidental poisoning. Other causes included intentional self-poisoning (eight), drug abuse (two) and undetermined intent (five). Heroin or morphine was a factor in 59 of the 130 deaths while benzodiazepines (87), methadone (52), cocaine (28) and alcohol (25) were also major factors.