RISE IN DRUG MISUSE CAUSE FOR CONCERN - FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Tue 16th Dec 2008

RISE IN DRUG MISUSE CAUSE FOR CONCERN - FINNIE

Ross Finnie MSP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Health, has warned that drug misuse in Scotland is on the rise and will continue to do so unless a National Drugs Strategy is implemented as a matter of urgency.

Drug misuse statistics published today have shown that the number of people taking drugs in Scotland is rising. Figures show that in 2007/8, 5,363 people were discharged from hospital having been diagnosed of drug misuse. This represents 108 per 100,000 of the Scottish population. This figure has surged after a falling under the previous Scottish administration.

Commenting, Mr. Finnie said:

"The rise in drug misuse in Scotland revealed by these figures is cause for great concern.

"These figures underline the need for the National Drugs Strategy, currently under discussion, to be fast tracked so that this surge in drug abuse can be reversed.

"Only a dual approach to drug misuse will achieve this. Those who use drugs need early intervention and more programmes to help them kick the habit. But there also needs to be a renewed attack on drug dealers, large and small, to get them off our streets."

Notes to Editors:

General acute hospital discharges diagnosed with drug misuse by year:

2007/8 - 108 cases per 100,000 population

2005/6 - 89 cases per 100,000

2004/5 - 91 cases per 100,000

2003/4 - 91 cases per 100,000