The number of suspected drug deaths has fallen, but the number of hospital admissions has risen, the figures show

The number of suspected drug deaths in Scotland is falling despite hospital admissions rising, figures show.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland on Tuesday show that 225 suspected drug deaths occurred between June and August this year.

That is 10% lower than the previous quarter and 25% lower than in 2023.

But the latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (Radar) report also shows that hospital admissions are rising.

Drug-related hospitalizations were 5% higher this summer compared to 2023, but 12% lower than in 2023.

Emergency department admissions also rose, but at a slower pace, with an increase of around 3% compared to the three months to the end of May.

This figure was 19% lower than the same period in 2023.

The total number of incidents involving paramedics using naloxone administrations also increased by 7%. That number is 20% lower than in 2023.

Despite the increase, drug referrals fell by 10% between May and August compared to the same period last year.

The Radar report shows that multiple drug use still causes the most harm, with risky combinations often involving cocaine, gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines and opioids.

Synthetic drugs such as potent nitazene-type opioids and xylazine are increasing, while cocaine remains the most common agent in postmortem toxicology.

Figures released in August showed the number of people dying from drug abuse in 2023 rose by 12% to 1,172.

Despite the sharp increase, this is the second lowest number of drug deaths since 2017, although the figures are still more than double pre-2014 levels.

Scottish Labor health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “It is clear that far too many lives are still being destroyed and even lost by drugs in Scotland.

“While any progress in reducing drug deaths is welcome, more needs to be done to not only save lives but also get people the long-term support they need.

“There is absolutely no room for complacency when it comes to tackling a public health emergency of this magnitude.

“The SNP must start acting with the urgency needed to deliver comprehensive, joined-up treatments needed to save lives and enable recovery.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “My condolences go out to everyone who has lost a loved one.

“Through our £250 million national drugs mission, we are taking a wide range of actions, including opening the first pilot of the UK Safer Drug Consumption Facility, working to open drug control facilities that would allow us to respond more quickly to emerging drug addictions. trends and expanding access to residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.

“We have maintained a record £112 million in local alcohol and drug partnerships for treatment and support services, and in addition, national mission funds have now supported more than 300 grassroots organizations and projects, helping more than 33,000 people.

“We are also working hard to respond to the growing threat of super-strength synthetic opioids such as nitasenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.

“Such synthetics increase the risk of overdose, hospitalization and death and are found in a range of substances.

“Because of their power, I would urge people to take extra life-saving naloxone kits.”