Dundee Witnesses Significant Decline in Drug-Related Deaths in 2022
In a positive turn of events, Dundee has recorded its lowest number of drug deaths since 2016, marking a significant drop in the city’s drug mortality rate. According to official figures, there were 38 drug-related deaths in Dundee in 2022, which is 14 fewer than the previous year. This decline is a remarkable achievement considering that Dundee was previously labeled as the drugs death capital of Europe.
Dundee’s drug-death rate for 2022 stands at 25.72 per 100,000, a decrease from over 25 deaths per 100,000 in the year 2021. While this reduction is certainly commendable, it is worth mentioning that Dundee still has the second-highest drug-death rate in Scotland, with Glasgow maintaining the highest rate.
On a broader scale, Scotland has experienced a record year-on-year decrease in drug deaths. The total number of deaths linked to illicit substances in 2022 was 1,051, down from 1,330 in the previous year. This decline is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the nation as a whole.
Unfortunately, the news is not entirely positive throughout Scotland. In Perth and Kinross, there was a slight increase in drug-related deaths, with numbers rising from 20 to 21. Similarly, Angus saw a rise from 17 deaths to 18. However, Fife experienced a decrease in drug deaths, with a total of 59 recorded in 2022 compared to 70 in 2021.
When examining the causes behind these deaths, it becomes evident that the majority are accidental rather than intentional. Approximately 7% of drug misuse deaths were classified as intentional self-poisoning, highlighting the prevailing issue of accidental overdoses.
Opioids, including heroin and morphine, remained the primary cause of the majority of drug-related deaths in Scotland, identified in 82% of cases. Benzodiazepines like diazepam played a role in 52% of deaths, while cocaine was linked to 35% of deaths.
While the decrease in the number of drug-related deaths is indeed a step in the right direction, Elena Whitham, the Scottish Government’s drugs minister, emphasized that the battle is far from over. Each life lost due to drugs is a tragedy, and the number of deaths is still alarmingly high. Whitham expressed her sympathy for those who have lost loved ones to drugs and acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly regarding the emergence of new threats such as synthetic opioids and stimulant use.
In an effort to combat illicit drug use more effectively, Whitham has called for the decriminalization of the possession of all illegal drugs, allowing individuals found in possession to receive treatment and support instead of facing criminalization and exclusion. However, this proposal was swiftly rejected by the Conservative government, with the power over the Misuse of Drugs Act remaining centralized at Westminster.
Dundee’s progress in reducing drug-related deaths is undoubtedly a cause for some celebration, but it must serve as a reminder that much work still lies ahead. The fight against drug misuse requires an ongoing commitment to addressing societal challenges, investing in prevention and support services, and exploring innovative approaches to tackle the issue head-on. Only through comprehensive and collaborative efforts can we hope to further reduce the number of lives lost to drugs in Scotland and beyond.
