Data for 2023 revealed that 1,172 people died - an increase of 121 on the previous 12 months.
Scottish drug deaths increased by 121 in 2023National Records of Scotland data for 2023 revealed that 1,172 people died - up 121 on the previous 12 months, which represents a 12% increase.The Scottish government said the level of drug misuse deaths in the country remained “hugely concerning”.in fatalities in several years in 2022 when there were 1,051 drug-related deaths, at the time seen as an early sign that progress was finally being made.
The report also confirms psychoactive substances such as benzodiazepines are posing significant dangers.These types of drugs are used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia and seizures.There has been a sharp rise in cocaine overdoses with the drug a factor in 479 deaths in 2023 - an increase from 371 deaths in 2022.Figures hit a record overall deaths high of 1,339 in 2020.
The rate of drug misuse death was also above the Scottish average in Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire, East Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and North Lanarkshire.Health Secretary Neil Gray said the Scottish government would "intensify" efforts against drugs He said: "“These awful statistics highlight yet again the urgent need for John Swinney and the SNP government to finally give their backing to the Right to Recovery Bill."
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