Concern as drug related deaths rise in North East Scotland – Scottish Business News

Tess White MSP has described an increase in drug deaths across the North East as “deeply alarming” and “heartbreaking” as the region recorded a rise in fatalities due to illicit substances.

New figures released today by the National Records of Scotland show 83 people died from drugs in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray last year – eight more than in 2022.

Opioids were the biggest cause, accounting for 60 of the deaths while methadone was involved in 30.  Benzodiazepines were linked in 30 fatalities, cocaine 29, alcohol five and ecstasy three.

Of the 83 drug deaths recorded in the NHS Grampian area, 54 were in Aberdeen, 19 in Aberdeenshire and 10 occurred in Moray.

The largest death-rate related to drugs was seen in Glasgow which recorded 246 fatalities. In Edinburgh, 111 people died and in Dundee, there were 46 fatalities.

Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson and North East MSP Tess White says the drugs-death epidemic is Scotland’s national shame.

Ms White added that the figures only reaffirm the need for the SNP government to finally back the Scottish Conservatives’ Right to Recovery Bill.

It has support from frontline experts and would guarantee access to treatment for everyone across the North East who needs it.

Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson and North East MSP Tess White said: “These catastrophic and heartbreaking figures indicate that the SNP are no closer to solving the drugs death epidemic that has spiralled on their watch.

“The rise in fatalities across the North East last year is deeply alarming – and every single death is a tragedy for the victim’s loved ones.

“My thoughts are with those across the region who have lost a loved one to drugs.

“It’s clear that the SNP government’s current approach is not succeeding in reducing drug deaths in the North East and across Scotland.

“They have shamefully taken their eye off the ball and remain unable to get a grip on this national emergency.

“The Scottish Government should be focused on improving access to treatment and rehab programmes for those with addiction problems rather than thinking consumption rooms are the answer.

“John Swinney must show support for our Right to Recovery Bill, which has the backing of experts and would enshrine in law the right of everyone to receive the potentially life-saving treatment they need.”