Dear Colleagues,
“The National Records of Scotland have today published figures for Drug Related Deaths in Scotland and in local areas in 2023. Drug misuse deaths (nrscotland.gov.uk). As shown below, these increased slightly in Scotland and reduced slightly in Edinburgh. The rate of Drug Related Deaths in Scotland remains among the highest in the world.
Pat Togher, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership , said “I am saddened to see that so many drug related deaths continue to occur across Scotland and whilst Edinburgh has not seen a rise we acknowledge that the current figure is too high and that we remain committed to reducing Drug Related Deaths and drug harms wherever possible.
I want to pay tribute to the excellent work that people in Edinburgh carry out to address substance use harms, including the implementation of the national Medication Assisted Treatment Standards, and the constant sharing of experience, hope and strength by the recovery community.
We know that further work is still required to support more people into treatment. We also continue to work with our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, the voluntary sector and with our communities to address the wider causes of substance use harm, including through poverty prevention work.“
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Thanks,
The EADP
