The figures behind Scotland's drug death toll
Summary
In 2024, 1,017 people died from drug overdoses in Scotland, marking a 13% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite this drop, drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and cocaine continue to be significant contributors to deaths. Efforts to combat drug deaths include a "national mission" launched by the Scottish government in 2021 with increased funding for addiction treatment.Key Facts
- In 2024, Scotland saw 1,017 drug overdose deaths, a 13% decrease from 2023.
- Opioids and opiates, including heroin and methadone, were linked to 80% of the deaths.
- Benzodiazepines were involved in 56% of the deaths, and cocaine in 479 deaths.
- The poorest areas in Scotland had 12 times the overdose death rate compared to the richest areas.
- Glasgow had the highest death rate at 41.1 per 100,000 people.
- Scotland's drug death rate is the highest in Europe.
- The Scottish government launched a five-year "national mission" in 2021 to reduce drug deaths.
- More than 3,200 rehab placements have been funded since the mission began in 2021/22.
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