Scotland has the highest drug-related death rate in Europe, despite a substantial increase in spending, a new report has revealed. In 2023, there were 1,172 drug misuse deaths in Scotland, which is the second-lowest number in the past six years. However, the rate of 27.7 per 100,000 is almost three times higher than the next highest country, Ireland. Additionally, there were 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths in 2023, the highest since 2008.
The Scottish government allocated £161.1 million towards addressing drug and alcohol-related deaths last year, doubling the figure from 2014. Despite this increase in funding, Audit Scotland found that there has been no analysis of the cost effectiveness of drug and alcohol services. The report highlighted that progress in improving services has been mixed, with the workforce facing immense strain.
The auditors recommended the need for a further transition plan as the funding for the national mission is set to end in 2026. Although there has been an 8% increase in residential rehabilitation beds since 2021, reaching the target of 650 beds by 2026 may still not be sufficient to meet demand. The report also included insights from interviews with individuals with lived experience in the alcohol and drugs field.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, emphasised the importance of developing preventative approaches to tackle Scotland’s issues with alcohol and drugs. He highlighted the need for understanding the most cost-effective services and planning for funding post-2026 when the national mission concludes. With concerns about the strain on public finances and the workforce feeling undervalued, urgent actions are needed to address staffing challenges in the sector.
In summary, despite increased funding and efforts to tackle drug and alcohol-related deaths in Scotland, the latest report from Audit Scotland highlights ongoing challenges and the urgent need for more effective strategies, funding plans, and support for the workforce in this critical area.