A minister has described the latest drug deaths figures as “our national shame” as she announced further measures in an attempt to tackle the crisis.
Angela Constance, the Scottish minister for drug policy, told MSPs that she was committed to getting more drug users “into the protection of treatment and recovery”, with a target for the number of people in treatment programmes due to be set by next year.
Opening her statement, Constance said: “The loss of life in Scotland from drug-related deaths is as heartbreaking as it is unacceptable.
“It’s our national shame, and I offer my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one as I continue with a commitment to do everything possible in our new national mission to turn the tide on rising drug-related deaths.”
She announced plans for a specialist residential rehabilitation facility to be built in north Ayrshire to provide treatment for up to 20 families at a time. The government will also consider whether alcohol and drugs services should be included in the proposed National Care Service.
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A review has been commissioned to examine the use of so-called street benzos, which were identified in 73 per cent of drug-related deaths last year. Benzodiazepines are normally prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, but illicit supplies of street benzos are being used alongside opiates such as methadone and heroin.
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, urged the government to back a “right to rehab” bill being brought forward by his party, calling for “decisive action from the top”. He added: “It’s not enough for the first minister to admit she took her eye off the ball — words are not going to solve this crisis.”
Constance refused to give a “blanket commitment”, but said: “I will of course, as will the first minister, give serious consideration to any proposition — serious and fair consideration — and I have never ruled out the need for further legislation.”
