Drug deaths more than double over a decade

Responding to new figures showing that there were 1,172 drug deaths in Scotland in 2023, an increase of 121 compared to 2022 and more than double what they were ten years ago, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said the Scottish Government has repeatedly taken its eye off the ball and that today’s devastating news should compel the Scottish Government to reverse the real-terms cut to drugs services in this year’s budget.

People in Scotland’s most deprived areas are now more than 15 times more likely to die from drugs compared to those in the least deprived areas.  

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“This is a painful day for many people across the country. Every death represents a life cut short and a family torn apart by grief.

“Nine years ago, with rates rising and records already mounting, Nicola Sturgeon slashed funding for drug and alcohol services.

“Now Scotland has by far the worst drug death crisis in Europe and it’s getting worse. Today’s devastating news should compel the SNP Government to reverse the indefensible real-terms cut that it inflicted in this year’s budget.

“Everything possible must be done to stop people dying which is why we need the drugs budget protected to strengthen frontline services, new drug checking facilities and a proper nationwide network of safer consumption rooms.”