Talks to take place over Moray's drug death rate
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TALKS are scheduled to take place over the sharp rise in the number of drug-related deaths in Moray.
Figures from the National Records of Scotland, published last week, showed there were 17 drug deaths in the area in 2018 compared to 7 the year before.
It is the highest number in Moray since records began in 1996, mirroring the national picture.
Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead will now meet with the Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership to look at what more can be done.
Mr Lochhead said: "We’re facing a national emergency in relation to drug use and Moray is not immune, which is why I am keen to sit down with the team at the Alcohol and Drug Partnership to talk through how we can better support people in our communities and ultimately save lives.
"Listening to those who are working on the frontline, delivering services and support to those using drugs is essential if we're serious about stopping these preventable deaths.
"I also hope that we can persuade the UK Government to act to allow the implementation of a public health response – it is clear that the current approach is failing the most vulnerable people in our communities."
Across Scotland, the number of drug related deaths soared to 1187 last year. That's up 27 per cent on 2017 and the rate is now higher than that reported for any other EU country.
NHS Grampian runs a number of initiatives, including projects to increase the supply of Naloxone which can temporarily reverse the effect of an opioid overdose.
The health board also works to increase the accessibility of substance misuse help, such as ARROWS in Moray which is a walk-in, self-referral service.
Dr Tara Shivaji, NHS Grampian consultant in public health, said: "The rise is partly explained by the fact that using illegal drugs over a long period takes its toll on a person's body and makes them more vulnerable to overdose. In the north-east, we have seen the influence of street alprazolam (Xanax) in our services as well as those reported in the drug related deaths.
"The management of drug misuse is complex. Drug misuse rarely exists on its own, for many people it sits alongside poor mental health, homelessness, financial difficulty, social exclusion, and stigma.
"What the figures don’t show is that recovery from substance use is possible. With help and support, people who use substances and the loved ones who are affected can recover.
"We would encourage anyone who is concerned about themselves or a loved one to get in touch with our services.
"Recovery from drug dependence is not easy but it is possible. There are no long waiting times to be seen."
Earlier this month, the Scottish Government announced that Professor Catriona Matheson will chair a new task force, which will advise on what changes, in practice or in law, could help save lives.
