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The number of drug deaths in Scotland has reached the worst level on record.
Figures from the Scottish National Registries show that in 2019, 1,264 people died from drug abuse, 77 more than in 2018, representing an increase of 6%.
It was the largest number ever recorded in Scotland, more than double the number 10 years earlier.
Scottish Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick MSP said: “Each and every one of these deaths is a tragedy and I would like to offer my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.
“The Scottish government is doing everything in its power to address the rise in drug deaths, and we are working urgently to implement high quality, person-centered services for those most at risk.
‘Safe eating rooms’ have been rejected by the UK government
In England and Wales, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in October showed that drug deaths in 2019 amounted to 4,393. That was equivalent to 76.7 deaths per million.
The figure was similar to that of Ireland.
Advocates for drugs in Scotland say that fake Valium, known as “street benzos”, is causing problems for users. The inexpensive drug is much stronger than prescription drugs and is often taken in conjunction with heroin.
Scotland’s drug problem was declared a public health emergency 18 months ago, following an increase in the number of deaths.
The Scottish government has created a Task Force on Death from Drugs and, although the problem has been considered extensively since then, it has yet to come up with a solution.
Drug charities and advocacy groups have criticized a long-term reduction in sufficient funding to tackle the problem. They point out that the drug problem has been exacerbated by the social and economic impact of the COVID pandemic.
Scotland’s drug problem was declared a public health emergency 18 months ago
A group of deputies from various parties suggested that decriminalizing drugs, which would allow their possession for personal use, would reduce the stigma around drug use.
Politics in other European countries showed that it helped treatment programs. The idea was endorsed by senior officers in the Scottish police and the Scottish government’s drug task force, but was rejected earlier this year by the UK government, which has control over drug law.
Activists in Scotland, however, argue that the Scottish government does not make proper use of its health and social care powers, giving it control over drug treatment services.
Activist Peter Krykant was charged with obstructing the police
The City of Glasgow has long supported the concept of ‘safe consumption rooms’, which allow users to access medicines in safe and hygienic conditions.
These facilities are used in other parts of the world, but the idea has been rejected by the UK government and is therefore still on the wrong side of the law.
Glasgow police charged a man using a van as a mobile consumer room. Peter Krykant, a drug activist, operates the facility on the streets of Glasgow, giving addicts the opportunity to access drugs under relatively controlled conditions.
In October, he was charged with obstructing police officers.
