The number of drug-related deaths across Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling increased by 35% over the past year and is at its highest level in ten years in both Fife and Stirling.
Across all three local authority areas 65 people died as a result of drug related issues compared to 48 in 2013. When the SNP came to power in 2007 there were 37 drug related deaths across Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling.
Across the whole of Scotland 613 died as a result of drugs with 74% of the victims were men. More than half of the deaths were either blamed or partially blamed on heroin or morphine. According to ISD Scotland, £22.4 million was spent on methadone fees in 2013 which was up on the £18.6 million spent in 2012
Changes in drugs classification is cited by the report as one underlying reason for the increase. In 2014, tramadol and zopiclone became controlled drugs.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Drugs are still ruining far too many lives across Scotland and the presence of heroin and methadone in a large number of deaths is especially tragic.
“With so many deaths linked to a drug that is supposed to help with addiction the Scottish Government must work hard to ensure that methadone is used in co-operation with a number of other withdrawal techniques in order to help users get clean.
“Too many communities across Mid-Scotland and Fife are gripped by drug misuse and modern Scotland must get a grip of an issue that is refusing to go away.”