Drug deaths in Scotland remain a social concern

Labelled as ‘Europe’s drug death capital’, Scotland gained notoriety for its high drug-related mortality rates in recent years. This number reached record highs in 2021 when 1,339 people lost their lives as a result of drug misuse in the country.

In 2022, there were marginally fewer drug deaths, but, as the Government and other concerned bodies stated, it was not significant enough to make a tangible difference. Despite numerous official interventions and increased funding, authorities cannot seem to stem the flow of the tide.

Newly released records show that between January and March 2023, another suspected 298 drug deaths occurred. This is a 1% increase on the previous quarter and a 5% rise when compared with the same period in 2022.

On average, studies indicate that Scotland’s drug deaths are approximately 3.7 times higher than that of the entire UK. Experts feel that issues such as deprivation, minor healthcare discrepancies and a rise in benzodiazepine use are to blame.

National mission on drug deaths

In January 2021, the Scottish Government announced the National Mission on Drug Deaths. This programme, which is backed by an additional £50m per year between 2021 and 2026, specifically aims to reduce drug deaths and improve the lives of people affected by drugs.

This mission also reiterated the fundamentals of Scotland’s alcohol and drug strategy. This plan describes the rights to:

• Health and life.
• Liberty from the harms caused by alcohol and drugs.
• Dignity and respect.
• Community support and specific recovery options.

In light of management data received from Police Scotland, this initiative still needs to gain traction before making a real difference in the country’s drug problem. It is, however, noteworthy that in the 12 months leading up to March 2023, suspected drug deaths dropped by an estimated 7%.

Demographic breakdown of the January to March 2023 drug death numbers

Men accounted for approximately 67% of the recorded drug deaths during the first quarter of 2023. This in itself seems shocking, but it is a 3% decrease from the same period last year.

There was also a climb in drug deaths in the under-25 age group, while 66% of fatalities were between the ages of 35 and 54. Areas with the highest drug death occurrence were Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh City and Lanarkshire.

Structured drug testing and the reduction of drug deaths

No drug identification and treatment scheme can be successful without a solid testing ‘backbone’. Drug and alcohol testing specialists such as Matrix Diagnostics have the know-how, professional training and products to address drug testing at different levels.

For example, Matrix multi-drug dip cards accurately detect multiple common illegal substances within five minutes. Experts and employers can use this quick, effective method to:

• Identify a drug use problem.
• Intermittently test candidates to monitor progress and adapt interventions.
• Motivate workers or treatment programme participants to stay clean.

Drug misuse is not an isolated or individual problem. This dependency affects family units, workplaces and communities at large. Drug testing provides a tangible means to gain information and track a person’s wellbeing.