Why is this National Indicator Important?
In international terms, Scotland has a disproportionately serious problem with drug misuse. It is a significant driver of economic underperformance, crime and victimisation, risk to children and health inequalities.
People who misuse drugs undermine their potential to lead rich and fulfilling lives and to make a positive contribution to society and the economy. They put at risk their relationships, their chances of employment and their health. People with problem drug use - especially those who inject - are at increased risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. This, coupled with risky behaviour often contributes to premature deaths.
Although studies suggest that drug misuse among young people is falling, drug misuse in a family, especially parental drug misuse, can have devastating effects. The immediate effects include emotional or physical abuse; in the long term it will decrease the life chances of the child.
Problem drug use is also strongly linked to crime, particularly property crime such as theft, shoplifting, mugging and house breaking, committed to fund a habit. The total economic and social costs of problem drug use in Scotland are estimated at around £2.6bn a year. Clearly, reducing the number of problem drug users is a key priority for the Government.
What will influence this National Indicator?
There are strong and clear links between: poverty; deprivation; mental health and wellbeing; health inequalities; repeat offending; victimisation; and drug addiction. Not everyone who lives in a disadvantaged neighbourhood will develop a problem. However, people are more at risk where there are: low employment opportunities; few community amenities; poor personal resources; and weak family and social bonds. Addressing wider inequalities such as housing, income, education and health can play an important role in reducing drug misuse. Tackling drug misuse effectively will, in itself, have a significant impact on inequalities in Scotland.
What is the Government's role?
The Government published in May 2008 "The Road to Recovery" - the first national drugs strategy for a decade. This sets out a new strategic direction for tackling problem drug use, based on treatment services promoting recovery. The strategy also sets out how the Government and its partners have a key role in tackling problem drug use through: taking a broad approach to prevention (promoting economic growth, delivering early interventions, and supporting families); measures to reduce supply through law enforcement; and intelligence-led activities to disrupt organised crime. It also proposes a range of measures to better ensure that children affected by parental substance misuse are safe. We want to build safer and stronger communities, more attractive to work and live in. Key to all of this is the effective delivery of the drug strategy at a national and local level.
How are we performing?
In 2006, there were an estimated 55,328 individuals, aged 15-64, who were misusing opiates and/or benzodiazepines in Scotland. This compares to 51,582 in 2003.
Estimates of the number of problem drug users draw on a wide-range of data sources and, because they are estimating a largely hidden and unknown population, they are difficult to establish accurately.
Source: Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland (August 2009); Centre for Drug Misuse Research, University of Glasgow Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health
Note: The 2006 figure refers to those aged 15-64 years, whilst the 2000 and 2003 figures refer to those aged 15-54 years. The age range for the study was changed to bring it in line with European statistical requirements.
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 2% per annum suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease in the rate of 2% per annum or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 2% or more per annum suggests the position is worsening. The threshold of 2% per annum chosen is based on an assessment of the data available at this time, and may need to be reviewed as more information becomes available in the future.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our partners?
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Healthier
Safer and Stronger