DRUGS SCOURGE TAKES ITS TOLL
Drug-related deaths in Forth Valley have seen a massive increase.
Latest figures show there were 50 deaths last year, up from 31 in 2015, which had been the highest number in almost a decade.
The data was included in the annual report of drug– related deaths in Scotland released by National Records Scotland yesterday (Tuesday).
Last year saw the highest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in Scotland: 867, a 23 per cent increase on 2015.
The Forth Valley figures showed that the number of men dying drug-related deaths rose from 22 in 2006 to 37 in 2016. While only two women died under such circumstances in 2006, the 2016 total had risen to 13.
Most of the 50 local deaths were categorised as accidental, with seven said to be intentional and eight undetermined.
In many cases those
involved had a cocktail of drugs in their system, however the majority featured heroin/morphine.
Cocaine featured in seven deaths, amphetamnines and ecstasy in one case each, and methadone, which can be used legally in controlled circumstances in drug withdrawal programmes, was a factor in seven cases.
Benzodiazepines were involved in 25 cases, 10 of these involving diazepam.
An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said reducing the number of deaths from drugs was a key priority of Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership.
They added: “The partnership, which brings together a number of agencies including Police Scotland, local councils and health services, has been at the forefront in Scotland in providing outreach services and support to those at risk.
“A detailed review is carried out into every drug death to establish the circumstances and identify any areas which may require further action.
“The partnership meets regularly to share information and discuss any emerging risks and trends associated with drug use in Forth Valley. As a result, a Problem Action Group was established to examine the increase in drug deaths which occurred during the first half of 2016.
“Police Scotland also mounted a campaign to help increase awareness of the risks as part of the wider work to address the rise in drug related deaths.”
The spokesperson continued: “The partnership continues to support and promote the Forth Valley Naloxone programme which can and does save lives. A key part of this is providing training to local service users and their families so that they are equipped to deal with an overdose in an emergency.
“A wide range of services are available across Forth Valley to help people with drug and alcohol problems. including dedicated rehabilitation and recovery support.”
Dr Andrew Fraser, chairman of Scottish Directors of Public Health, said lessons had to be learned.
“Vulnerable young men and women —those in their 30s to 50s — dying from drug-related causes remains high and continues to rise, year-on-year,” said Dr Fraser.
“No-one makes the conscious, positive choice to become drug-dependent, and noone would choose such a pathway if it meant they ended their life tragically and early. All are the sons and daughters of parents, who are often still alive.
Most statistics show that many of those who die a drug-related death are known to be fathers and mothers themselves.
The cost to children puts a further generation at risk.
“Bringing people the support they need, when they need it and for as long as they need it to get them through difficult times, is a crucial part of ensuring our service — public and voluntary — work to reduce drug related deaths.
“We understand more and more about the circumstances of the lives of people who are drug-dependent, and that it is possible to prevent such deaths. It is a responsibility of us all to ensure we learn and apply the lessons from reports and reviews on the subject — they are numerous — so we can prevent the tragedy of drug-related deaths in Scotland.”