DRUG deaths continue to rise in Dumfries and Galloway with 37 last year, the highest total in 26 years.
The tragic tally was two more than the previous year – and 31 more than ten years ago in 2012.
Frustrated health bosses say the increase comes “amid continuing, concerted efforts” locally to bring down drug-related fatalities.
Consultant in public health medicine Dr Andrew Carnon said: “It’s terrible to think of these 37 lives lost within our region as a result of drugs, and the impact on families, loved ones and communities.
“It’s all the more upsetting when we know that there’s an increasingly effective range of ways to reduce risks and prevent drug-related deaths.
“A huge amount of work takes place year-round which is aimed at helping people into recovery from the use of drugs – promoting the very best advice and treatment, running programmes of support and counselling, and encouraging the use of naloxone kits which can reverse the effects of an overdose.”
He also highlighted the Buvidal™ drug replacement programme, launched in 2020 as an injectable alternative to methadone, which is showing significant promise.
Furthermore, health officials have introduced a process for regularly gathering evidence from people who have living or lived experience of drug use, or from family members. They are also collecting evidence from professionals who provide care for people using drugs. Dr Carnon said: “This helps ensure the needs of people who are using drugs are effectively addressed.
“We know all too well the dangers associated with drug use, and that there will likely never be one simple means to avoid resulting deaths.
“However, there is no sense of defeat or hopelessness among the determined teams of health professionals and third sector staff working in this area. Instead, the figures only strengthen the resolve to build on the progress we’ve been seeing this year as we strive to prevent every single drug-related death wherever possible.”
The doctor called on communities to help spread the word, share advice and signpost anyone affected to the different sources of help.
Meanwhile, Penny Halliday, chair of the Alcohol and Drug Partnership, said they will not waiver in efforts to help those affected and added: “Our deepest sympathies go to the families and friends who have lost a loved one to a fatal drug overdose – one person dying is one too many.”
Commenting on the latest figures, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “The figures for Dumfries and Galloway have bucked the national trend by actually increasing from 2021 to 2022, which highlights just how much work still needs to be done.
“Cuts in funding for rehab a few years ago are still taking a heavy toll, and we urgently need to see more investment to treat what is ultimately a health crisis.”
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson called for stronger action from the Scottish Government, saying: “To find out that the number of deaths from drugs misuse in 2022 is the highest on record for Dumfries and Galloway is shocking and must surely be a wake up call that more action needs to be taken to tackle drug addiction in rural areas.”
n Go to www.stopdgdrugdeaths.co.uk for information and support
