Drug deaths in older age group continue to increase

New statistics released today show that Scotland’s drug-related deaths continue to particularly affect an ageing group of drug users.

The National Records of Scotland publication shows the over-35 age group accounted for 72 per cent (626) of the total number of drug deaths in 2016. The median age at the time of death continues to be 41 years old. This is consistent with the same trends seen in recent years of the publication.

The total number of drug deaths has risen by 23 per cent between 2015 and 2016 – from 706 to 867.

The number of people dying from a drug-related death in the under 24 age bracket accounted for five per cent (42) of the total number of drug deaths.

Public health minister Aileen Campbell said: “We are dealing with a very complex problem in Scotland - a legacy of drugs misuse stretching back decades. What we are seeing is an ageing group of people who are long term drugs users. They have a pattern of addiction which is very difficult to break, and they have developed other chronic medical conditions as a result of this prolonged drugs use.

She added: “The evidence is clear that one of the most effective methods for stopping people from dying from substance use is for them to be engaged with services. Therefore, our refreshed strategy will include a new ‘Seek, Keep, Treat’ programme which will challenge service providers to adapt their approaches to meet the needs of each drug user.”

Dave Liddell, chief executive, Scottish Drugs Forum said: “The fatal drug overdose deaths are personal tragedies for the individuals and their families, and clearly of a scale which is a national tragedy that requires a fundamental rethink of our approach.

“Other countries have achieved a reduction in overdose deaths by ensuring that people are appropriately retained in high-quality treatment and we must aspire to do the same.”

Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said: “These figures are nothing short of appalling.

“Every year hundreds of lives in Scotland are being wasted because of a drugs culture that’s been allowed to escalate out of control.

“People will be stunned that the death rate here is more than twice that of the rest of the UK, and that poses some extremely tough questions for the Scottish government.”

He added: “A strategy refresh won’t cut it. We need a full parliamentary review of drugs policy in Scotland.

“Holyrood can implement policies that make a real difference to people’s lives, yet those who have been marginalised and forgotten the most are drug users.

“These statistics must serve as an abrupt wake-up call for the SNP.”