Massive surge in drug deaths

Aug 13 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

A SHOCKING new report has revealed that the number of drug deaths in Renfrewshire has almost TREBLED over the past decade.

And, last night, a warning was issued that the drug problem is set to get worse before it gets better.

Figures released yesterday by the General Register Office for Scotland reveal that 27 people in the Paisley area died from taking poisonous substances like heroin and cocaine last year.

Back in 1998, just 10 local people died from drugs.

The rise in drug deaths has been repeated in neighbouring East Renfrewshire, although on a smaller scale.

Drugs killed six people in East Renfrewshire last year, compared to just three a decade ago.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said drugs are “a long-term problem with no single solution.”

He added: “As a legacy of long-term drug misuse over recent decades, drug-related deaths may continue to rise over the next few years, especially among older men, which is exactly why we have put in place a strategy to turn the situation around.”

Last year, 18 junkies died in Renfrewshire after taking heroin, while another three in East Renfrewshire succumbed to smack.

However, benzodiazepines – which are tablets prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety – were also found in several cases where people had been mixing drugs.

They were found in the bodies of 24 people who died after abusing drugs like diazepam – also known as Valium – in Renfrewshire and were present in another four cases in East Renfrewshire.

Methadone, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol were all also found to have played their part in several deaths.

The report issued yesterday by Duncan Macniven, Scotland’s General Register, said the long-term trend for drug deaths “appears to be steadily upwards.”

Across Scotland, drugs killed 574 people in 2008 – up from 455 the year before.

Deaths rose most sharply among older drug users and the numbers fell among those aged under 25.

Last night, a spokesman for the Scottish Drugs Forum told the Paisley Daily Express: “It is difficult to tell exactly why older drug users are increasingly featuring among the drug death statistics.

However, many will have been using drugs – primarily heroin – for a long time.

“Their physical health will have deteriorated and many will have become increasingly socially isolated over the years, which could make them more vulnerable to accidental or deliberate overdose.

“In addition, older drugs users who are not in treatment services can lose hope about their chances of overcoming their drug problem and living a normal life.”

Councillor Eileen McCartin, convener of Renfrewshire’s Community and Family Care Policy Board, said action is being taken to tackle the drugs menace.

She added: “For the first time in 15 years, we have managed to eradicate the waiting list for drug services.

“There are ongoing initiatives by Strathclyde Police and the council to target drug dealers and reduce the impact of drugs in our town centres.

“These include more frequent, high-visibility patrols by the police and Renfrewshire wardens, a pilot project to raise awareness about cocaine use in licensed premises and evicting convicted drug dealers from council homes. We will continue to work to help people to recover from drug abuse and go on to live longer, healthier lives where they can make a positive contribution to society.”

And Hugh Docherty, East Renfrewshire Council’s spokesman, said they are working with the police, health chiefs and social work bosses to enforce the law on drugs and entice people away from using illegal substances.

He told the Express: “In particular, we are working with schools to encourage young people not to choose drugs. This problem is a rising national one and this small rise in the number of deaths in East Renfrewshire is a reflection of that national trend.”