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.
Bu hikaye Daily Record dergisinin August 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Record dergisinin August 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WAIT TILL I GET YOU HOME
Propper says return to” rox will spark Gers into life after stuttering start
BIB'S YOUR UNCLE
Never stars or stadia, John will get a bigger kick out of Champs League gear
Nappy to be here
Caolan: Saints is one big happy family
I'll deliver KO blow to AJ v Fury dream
Dubois is ready to be a party pooper
PETTER PANNED
Skip Suz taking flak but has no regrets
WE'LL NEVER STOP SEARCH FOR KHASHA
Missing mum family’s memorial fundraiser
FAR RIGHT' ROW OVER STARMER ITALIAN TRIP
Premier bats away critics of policy
POOL STEAM AHEAD
Autumn sunshine will make us warmer than much of EU
GOING FOR GOLD
Commonwealth Games on verge of Glasgow return
'Would-be assassin' was former Trump voter rejected as a fighter by Ukraine
THE suspect in the apparent second assassination attempt on Donald Trump is a former supporter of the ex-President.