SUSPECTED drug deaths in Scotland fell during 2024, according to new official figures.
Police Scotland data revealed a 11% dip in the number of Scots that passed away due to drug related issues.
The force’s management information recorded 1065 suspected drug deaths throughout the year. This is 132 less than 2023’s figures on the same topic.
This correlates with recent findings by Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response that drugs deaths have fallen by 10% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with drug-related attendances at A&E seeing a similar decrease.
Males accounted for 74% of the deaths, which follows similar percentages from previous years.
There were 34 suspected drug deaths in the under 25 age group, which was 37% fewer than the previous year.
Health Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the reduction but said more must be done to bring suspected drug deaths down further.
He said: “My condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one.
“Every death is one too many and despite the welcome reduction in these figures on suspected deaths, they remain far too high.
“We want every person experiencing harm from drug use to be able access the support they need and through our national mission on drugs, we are taking a wide range of evidence-based measures to reduce harm and save lives.
“These include opening the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility pilot, working towards the opening of drug-checking facilities, and widening access to residential rehab and life-saving naloxone.
“Funding for more than 300 grassroots projects has also supported more than 33,000 people.”
He said record funding for alcohol and drug programmes had been protected in the Budget and now stands at more than £160 million.
The figures come less than a year after the introduction of Scotland’s first safe consumption room in Glasgow, which had over 1000 visits in its first three months from 143 people.
Glasgow City Council said that a “number of medical emergencies” had been managed at the facility, with the help of the Scottish Ambulance Service required for some of these.
