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Action vow on drug related deaths
07/08/2008
Figures compiled by the General Register Office for Scotland show that there were 455 drug-related deaths in 2007. An increase of 8 per cent compared to 2006.
Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing today responded to the new figures showing a record number of drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2007.
Mr Ewing said:
"We are naturally disappointed that the number of drug-related deaths in 2007 was the highest ever recorded in Scotland.
"In the short-term these figures may continue to rise - partly because of the cumulative effects of abuse on older drug users - but that doesn't mean we should sit back and accept it.
"Of course these figures precede the publication of our new drugs strategy, 'The Road to Recovery', which was supported by Parliament in June. I am confident many of the changes it proposes will have a positive impact in reducing drug-related deaths. It sets out a clear course of action to see more people recover from problem drug use as active and law-abiding members of society.
"For two decades Scotland has been in the grip of drugs - reacting and responding to the impact they have had on our people, our public services, and our economic potential. This strategy is about taking control of our lives again - as individuals and as a nation.
"It will take months and years to achieve and the scourge of drugs will not disappear overnight. But if the Government shows leadership, forges consensus and is clear about delivery then I am confident we can make real progress in the years ahead.
"We have also drawn up a new action plan specifically aimed at tackling drug-related deaths, based on far-reaching recommendations from experts in the field and service users.
"And recommendations made by the National Forum on Drug-Related Deaths in their first annual report are being taken forward as a matter of urgency.
"We are also pursuing the action points from 'Equally Well' the report of the Ministerial task force on health inequalities, many of which are highly relevant to groups of people most at risk of dying from drug-related deaths."
David Liddell, Director of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said:
"We have a huge drugs problem in Scotland, with many services overwhelmed by demand for treatment and support. There are also huge obstacles to overcoming underlying factors such as poverty, social breakdown and the difficulty of accessing quality training and employment opportunities for people trying to avoid or move on from a drug problem.
"The Scottish Government's new drugs strategy is driving massive changes to the way we approach our terrible drugs problem. It is a highly ambitious plan of action which will demand various agencies to change the way they work. It is vital that they also have the energy, vision and appropriate resources to see it through.
"The Scottish Government's support for Scottish Drugs Forum's (SDF) participation in a European-wide research project to look into the specific care and support needs of older drug users is also crucial. Its funding for SDF's programme of training to equip more people to step in with life-saving help at overdose scenes is also very important."