Figures show 13% fall.
The number of deaths caused by drug misuse fell by 13% to 1,017
last year – the lowest level registered since 2017.
According to statistics published by National Records of Scotland
today, there were 155 fewer deaths in 2024 compared to the
previous year.
The statistics showed that people in the most deprived areas were
12 times more likely to die from drugs as those in least deprived
areas. This is a drop from 15 times more likely in 2023.
There was also a drop in the number of deaths among young people
with 34 under-25s compared with 58 in 2023.
However, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister said ‘there is still work to be
done' by the Scottish Government to deal with the harm caused by
drugs.
During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, which offers
a variety of creative workshops to support people dealing with
substance use, Ms Todd said:
“My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of
a loved one through drugs.
“It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of
deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still
work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to
save and improve lives.
“This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly
dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise
the risk of overdose and death.
“That is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs
and alcohol programmes and widening access to treatment,
residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also
supported and funded the opening of the UK's first Safer Drug
Consumption Facility and are working at pace to deliver
drug-checking facilities.
“The spread of grassroots support, enhanced by our funding of
more than 300 organisations and projects, has also made a
difference on the ground. However, we will always want to do more
and will continue to work hard to adapt to new patterns of
consumption and demand to direct support where it is most
needed.”
The Scheme Livi co-founder Aidan Martin said:
"At The Scheme Livi, we've seen first-hand how grassroots
projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since
launching full-time in March 2023, we've welcomed over 3,100
attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative
workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits.
“These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe,
supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma,
mental health challenges, social isolation, and social
deprivation."
Background
Drug related deaths in Scotland,
2024.
The Scheme
Livi
The Scottish Government has provided record levels of funding for
Alcohol and Drugs programmes with more than £115 million made
available to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in 2025-2026.
