Catastrophic and appalling humanitarian Dail disaster

Campaigners blame toll on 'failed' Scottish Government strategies | Long-term funding needed for life-saving residential rehab facilities

- MARK MCGIVERN

SCOTLAND is in the "midst of a tragedy of unimaginable proportions", a drug charity warned.

It comes as figures revealed drug deaths in Scotland have soared again, with almost 1200 overdose fatalities last year.

The "distressing" 12 per cent rise halts two years of progress after the Scottish Government declared a "national mission" to tackle the problem.

The drug death total of 1172 in 2023 was an increase of 121 from the 1051 fatalities in 2022. It is more than twice that of the rest of the UK and maintains our shameful title as Europe's drug death capital.

Campaigner Annemarie Ward branded the rise a "catastrophic and appalling humanitarian disaster".

Ward, head of the FAVOR drug charity, said: "Despite repeated warnings and overwhelming evidence, Scotland is witnessing a relentless increase in drugrelated deaths - an undeniable consequence of the government's failed strategies.

"We're in the midst of a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, yet the Scottish Government persists with a strategy that has repeatedly failed to save lives.

"The provision of community rehabilitation, community and residential detox services, and inpatient residential rehab remains woefully inadequate. These are the essential services needed to help people achieve real recovery and break free from the cycle of dependency."

Last night, there were demands for more rehab facilities as opposition MSPs branded the figures "distressing".

Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: "The SNP pledged to reduce drugs deaths but these distressing figures show just how far it has failed to live up to its promises. The SNP Government, which is still desperately trying to correct its own historic cuts to alcohol and drug services, must stop breaking its promises to families.