Cole-Hamilton: SNP need to tackle alarming rise in deaths linked to synthetic opioids

30 Jul 2024
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today warned that “without more action we will only see more tragedy” as new statistics revealed that drug-related hospital admissions, suspected drug deaths and deaths linked to synthetic opioids known as nitazenes are all worryingly high.

Figures published today show:

• Between January and March 2024, there were 1,906 drug-related hospital admissions.

• Between March and May 2024, there were 267 suspected drug deaths, with an average of 22 per week.

• Between January and March 2024, Nitazenes were detected in 4% of deaths (25), up from 2% (12) in the previous quarter.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“Progress on tackling Scotland’s drugs deaths rate, the highest in Europe, has been glacial. Today’s figures show that this crisis continues to end lives and blight communities.

“I am especially concerned to see that deaths linked to nitazenes, a synthetic opioid 50 times strong than heroin, have doubled.

"I have joined with campaigners in raising the alarm about the enormous harms these substances could cause if the government doesn’t get to grips with their increasing presence in Scotland.

“The SNP has abjectly failed to address the drugs death crisis, and while this tragedy continues they have delivered real-terms cuts to drug-services.

“Well-meaning words and promises just won’t cut it. Without more action we will only see more tragedy. The Government needs to protect and strengthen the drug and alcohol budget so that everyone can access care when they need it.”

This website uses cookies

Like most websites, this site uses cookies. Some are required to make it work, while others are used for statistical or marketing purposes. If you choose not to allow cookies some features may not be available, such as content from other websites. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information.

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the website to function properly.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.
Marketing cookies are used by third parties or publishers to display personalized advertisements. They do this by tracking visitors across websites.
Administrator preview
Live version at www.scotlibdems.org.uk