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Drug deaths double in last decade Drug deaths double in last decade
(41 minutes later)
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has doubled in the past 10 years, according to new figures.The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has doubled in the past 10 years, according to new figures.
The General Register Office for Scotland said 455 people died last year - a record number. Analysis from the General Register Office for Scotland said 455 people died last year - a record number.
Heroin or morphine was involved in 64% of deaths, while 25% involved the heroin substitute methadone.Heroin or morphine was involved in 64% of deaths, while 25% involved the heroin substitute methadone.
Men accounted for 86% of drug-related deaths in 2007 and about 50% of all deaths were among people aged 35 or older. Men accounted for 86% of drug-related deaths in 2007 and almost 50% of all deaths were among people aged 35 or older.
The analysis revealed that the number of drug-related deaths had risen in eight of the past 10 years and said "the long-term trend appears to be steadily upwards". READ THE REPORT Drug Related Deaths in Scotland 2007 [193KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
It added that in the last decade there had been "marked increases" in the number of deaths involving heroin and morphine, cocaine and alcohol.
The health board areas with the largest increases in the numbers of drug-related deaths were Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley and Ayrshire and Arran.
The Scottish Government announced a new drug strategy earlier this year emphasising the need to help addicts recover from their addiction.
It suggested a shift away from methadone as the major intervention.
There are an estimated 52,000 problem drug users in Scotland and a further 22,000 on the methadone programme, receiving a prescribed substitute for heroin.