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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE'S ANNUAL REPORT ON DRUG MISUSE
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT INTRODUCTION
The Annual Report sets out the progress made in 2002 across all 4 pillars of the Executive's drugs strategy, namely young people, communities, treatment and availability.
A range of statistical surveys has identified the following key trends:
- Little change in the level of drug misuse among 12-15 year olds since 1998.
- Falls in the percentages of those under 20 years, and aged 20-29 reporting to drugs services, but a steady rise in the 30 years and over age group.
- Changes in the type of drug use reported by people attending treatment services for the first time. Heroin misuse has increased steadily from 67% in 1997-98 to 79% in 2001-02. However, this trend applies only to older age groups. Reported heroin misuse among the under 20s has declined. Reported use of cocaine, including crack cocaine, remains relatively low at 7% in 2001-02, but this compares to use of 2% amongst those reporting to services in 1997-98. Ecstasy use remains relatively static but reported amphetamine use has declined very significantly.
- Steady levels of injecting amongst those reporting to services, but consistent falls in injectors under 20 years, from 35% in 1998-99 to 25% in 2001-02. However, there was an increase percentage of injectors reporting that they had shared equipment.
- A 14% increase in the number of drug related deaths to 332 in 2001.
- A 173% increase in the weight of Class A drug seizures in 2001-02, compared to the previous year, and 477 arrests for drug trafficking activities since the formation of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency.
Drug Action Teams have brought together NHS Boards, local authorities, the police and other important groups to make significant progress in delivering services which meet local needs. This work has been supported by record resources and a determined effort by the Executive to identify and disseminate the evidence that can support and develop best practice within Scotland. The report highlights a number of examples of where effective local action is making a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by drugs problems.
However, the number of reported drug deaths continues to give cause for considerable concern. Many of these deaths are the result of poly-drug misuse, often involving alcohol. Through our "Know the Score" communications activity, we now provide a free and confidential information line and a website which provides relevant information and signposts sources of further help and advice. A wide range of information has also been produced and distributed, including advice on harm reduction for those who have already developed serious drug problems.
We are also conscious of the need to further improve the availability and timely access to treatment services across Scotland. We need to improve the way in which services are managed and delivered and have recently published guidance for service providers and other agencies on how integrated services can be designed and delivered. This drive to develop integrated, person-centred care, aims to improve the quality of care and to minimise waiting times for treatment services.
The number of injectors who are sharing equipment is also a matter for concern. Injecting is a high risk practice, and sharing equipment is one of the main routes by which blood-borne viruses are transmitted. It is likely that increased limits will be allowed on injecting equipment which can be allocated through needle exchange schemes, and the Home Office is reviewing guidance on the supply of drugs paraphernalia. It is hoped that these measures will help to reduce sharing of potentially contaminated equipment, while keeping injectors in touch with services who can monitor their overall health, and encourage them into drug treatment.
In the coming 12 months, the 3rd year of the Executive's funding package of 128 million, the additional resources should be having a real impact on Scotland's drug problems, with our investment being translated into new and improved services at local level. This report shows that such services are already being rolled out across Scotland, and that we are making steady progress in tackling Scotland's drug problems.
Copies of this report can be obtained from Paul Haddon, Scottish Executive Health Department, 3rd Floor East Wing, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG (Telephone 0131-244 2208, e-mail: Paul.Haddon@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk ).
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