Drug Misuse Deaths in Scotland Rise to 1,172

In 2023, Scotland recorded 1,172 drug misuse deaths, an increase of 121 from the previous year, according to data from the National Records of Scotland. Despite this rise, the number represents the second lowest annual total since 2017, following a significant drop to 1,051 deaths in 2022. Officials had previously claimed progress in addressing the drug crisis, but concerns remain about the increasing prevalence of potent synthetic opioids. The statistics highlight that males were twice as likely to die from drug misuse, with deprivation playing a significant role in mortality rates. Opiates and opioids were implicated in 80% of deaths, predominantly classified as accidental poisonings. The rate of drug poisoning deaths in Scotland continues to be significantly higher than in other parts of the UK.