This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Investigation into drugs death rise
28/08/2003
An investigation into the rising death toll among
Scotland's drug misusers is to be commissioned by the
Executive.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry announced funding for
the investigation into the facts behind every drug-related
death recorded in 2003 - in response to today's troubling
confirmation in official statistics that drug related
deaths in 2002 rose sharply.
This sharp rise highlighted, Mr Henry said, the
continuing problem of 'cocktail' drug misuse in Scotland
with a wide range of drugs combining to cause many of the
deaths - and alcohol as well as drugs present in nearly
half of the cases.
The national investigation aims to shed new light on the
'lives behind the statistics' and help Government and other
agencies to shape future service provision to help more
addicts to save themselves in the future.
Mr Henry said:
"The rise in drug-related deaths confirmed in today's
figures is troubling. Troubling for every one of us working
to reduce the impact of drug misuse on our people and
communities. But shattering for the families and friends of
those whose chaotic lives have brought them to this.
"Every one of these statistics represents a tragic waste
of life and demonstrates the complexity of the drugs
problem in Scotland. Those who take illicit drugs,
particularly dangerous 'cocktails' of drugs, place
themselves at great risk, both from overdose and from
contamination. And for those who inject or wash down drugs
with copious amounts of alcohol, the risks are even
higher.
"That's why we need to dig deeper than today's
statistics - to get a clearer picture of what drives people
to damage themselves in this way. And what more we can do
to help them bring a bit of order to the chaos of their
lives.
"We will build on the work which has already been
undertaken by Drug Action Teams, particularly Greater
Glasgow, and the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency, to carry
out the most comprehensive-ever investigation into the
circumstances surrounding drug related deaths in the future
- in the first instance for 2003.
"We are realistic. Even the most effective and easily
accessible services will not save all of those who
undertake this risky behaviour. But we are determined to do
what is in our power to try to reduce this senseless waste
of life.
"The review of drug treatment and rehabilitation
services announced earlier this week will take a hard look
at how current provision can be improved and expanded to
meet the needs of users. Additional funding will also be
forthcoming, on top of the extra £12 million per annum we
are already investing in drug treatment and rehabilitation
services.
"Some will see today's figures in extreme terms - as
proof that one policy is failing or that another must be
embraced. Neither extreme would be right - not for the
people who have died, nor for the communities suffering now
and in the future from the impact of drug misuse.
"Our drugs strategy will continue to provide a balanced
approach to the drugs problem. Through education and
prevention. Through strong enforcement to keep more drugs
off the streets. Through tough action to ensure dealers do
serious time for their crimes. Through seizing the proceeds
of drug dealers and using it for the benefit of the
communities they have fleeced. And through effective
treatment and care services that provide fast, consistent
access for those already in the grip of drugs."
The statistics for drug-related deaths in 2002 are
published today by the General Register Office for
Scotland. Details of these are available from a separate
news release issued on behalf of the GROS today or at
www.gro-scotland.gov.uk
The investigation into drug related deaths in 2003 will
be commissioned through a competitive tendering process by
the SE Health Department's Effective Interventions Unit,
following the preparation of a detailed specification.
The sort of issues which the investigation will
highlight will include the numbers and circumstances of
those released from prison and those who are homeless who
overdose, whether those who died were in contact with
treatment services, prescribing practices, and the
availability of illicit drugs. The work will involve
collaboration with a number of agencies and individuals,
including GRO(S), the police, clinicians, toxicologists and
pathologists throughout Scotland.
The investigation will make practical recommendations
for policy makers and practitioners locally and nationally
to help to reduce the number of deaths in the future. The
findings from the investigation will be published at the
end of next year, and will be widely disseminated to
national and local organisations, including Drug Action
Teams and others planning and delivering services.