Both drug-related harms and suspected drug deaths have increased over the most recent quarter, according to Public Health Scotland (PHS) statistics on Scotland’s drug crisis.

PHS says its report, published today, underlines the need for system-wide action to prevent drug harms and improve support for those affected by the drug crisis.

The number of suspected drug-related deaths has risen by 15% between March and May compared to the previous quarter, and sits at 7% higher than the same time last year.

Meanwhile, incidents involving administration of naloxone, which temporarily reverses opioid overdoses, increased by 45% and A&E attendances for drug-related harms increased by 19%. 

 PHS says the findings illustrate both the ‘persistently high’ levels of harm and Scotland’s rapidly evolving and unpredictable drug support landscape. 

Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said:

“Our most recent data shows that the unregulated drugs market in Scotland is continuing to have a devastating effect on people who use drugs and their communities. 

“The recent trends in increasing drug-related harms are deeply concerning, and it’s vital that the response continues to be prioritised in order to protect lives.  

“There are complex reasons for the increase in harms we’re seeing. Scotland has an evolving drug supply, which is often contaminated with toxic substances. Most of the harm also involves the use of more than one substance.”

Dr Shivaji also urged caution among everyone who uses drugs, saying there is no way to tell which substances way be contaminated, nor what effects they will have on an individual.

Instances of very high levels of drug-related harm were identified in Scotland following the pandemic, which then decreased.  

However, the new report indicates this decreasing trend appears to be over and levels of harm are now approaching those seen in previous peaks.

This comes as an evaluation of Scotland’s national mission on drug-related harms found, despite some progress, unmet need remains high in mental health and recovery services.

PHS highlights in its report the need for Scotland to respond to the global challenge of newly emerging drugs such as nitazene-type opioids which are increasingly linked to drug-related deaths.

Responding to the figures, Drugs and Alcohol Minister Maree Todd told healthandcare.scot the government is working hard to respond to the growing threat of multi-drug use and “highly dangerous” synthetic opioids and urged people to carry life-saving naloxone kits:

“Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one. 

“I am determined to do more to tackle drug harms and that is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. 

“We are also working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities, and we opened the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility which is saving lives.”

PHS, alongside the Scottish Directors of Public Health, are now calling for services across Scotland to join efforts to address the challenge.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine for PHS, Dr Shivaji said a system-wide response is needed to turn the tide on rising drug-related harms and deaths: 

“Having someone who can help in an emergency is an important harm reduction measure, but there’s no safe way to take these substances.  

“It’s imperative that our collective efforts continue and our thanks go to the various organisations and people in frontline and supporting roles who provide us with critical information.”   

NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Director of Public Health, Valerie White, said a collective approach must tackle the causes of drug use and ensure people in need can access treatment, care and recovery support:

“By tackling the deep-rooted social and health inequalities that drive drug-related harm, we believe that Scotland’s relationship with drugs can change.  

“To address these inequalities, a coordinated, multiagency response from more than drug services is required. 

“Sectors such as housing, education, and welfare all play hugely important roles in tackling drug harms as part of a public health approach.” 

Read more: Ten-year low in Scots healthy life expectancy; Citizens’ panel to help drugs crisis response; A team sport: caring from the community up; Families to shape campaign against stigma; Law change needed for Scotland’s drug crisis; Watchdog criticises homelessness service cuts

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