Scotland sees fall in drug deaths

The number of drug-related deaths on Scotland fell for the first time in four years, according to new figures today.

Deaths dropped to 545 in 2009 from 574 the previous year, a decrease of 5%. But the total is still the second-highest ever recorded - and experts warn the long-term trend is for a steady rise.

This also comes just one year after the figures hit the highest recorded in Scotland.

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS area accounted for the highest local number with a record 200 deaths there. NHS Grampian recorded an increase to a new high of 52 over the year.

Heroin and morphine were implicated in 322 deaths in Scotland, while the heroin substitute methadone may have contributed to 173 deaths.

Alcohol was implicated in 165 deaths, almost one-third, according to the figures from the General Register Office for Scotland.

Community safety minister Fergus Ewing said: "These figures published today remind us that drug misuse destroys lives, and the impact is felt far beyond the individual user.

"Fewer people lost to drug use is always good news, but we must acknowledge that these figures remain high.

"It is clear we continue to face a challenge to help steer people away from problem drug use and towards recovery."