New government strategy to treat drug addiction as a public health issue

Joe FitzPatrick

Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick said he combined the drug and alcohol misuse strategies because of their common solutions.

Those with drink and drug problems often deal also with poverty, trauma and inequality.

Figures published this year revealed a record death toll from drugs in Scotland in 2017, at 934 – more than double the total in 2007.

In addition, there was a corresponding increase in admissions to hospital for drug-related problems.

And the average age for those dying from drugs went from 34 in 2007 to 41 in 2017.

Mr FitzPatrick said: “Improving how we support people harmed by drugs and alcohol is one of the hardest and most complex problems we face.

“But I am clear that the ill-health and deaths caused by substance misuse are avoidable and we must do everything we can to prevent them. This means treating people and all their complex needs, not just the addiction.”