Scotland has the highest drug mortality rate in Europe, with a population of five million, and the situation has become increasingly alarming.

In 2023, drug-related deaths in Scotland rose by 12%, totaling 1,172 fatalities, marking an end to a two-year decline.

This rise in drug deaths has been described as 'heartbreaking' by officials, solidifying Scotland's position at the top of Europe's drug mortality rates.

The increase in fatalities includes 23 deaths linked to super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which are significantly more potent than morphine.

The Scottish government is focusing on combating these dangerous synthetic opioids, which pose additional risks when mixed with other drugs.

Opioids, particularly heroin and methadone, were involved in 80% of the drug deaths last year, with over 80% of fatalities occurring after the use of multiple substances.

Notably, deaths from bromazolam, a benzodiazepine, surged from 54 in 2022 to 426 in 2023, while cocaine overdoses also rose significantly.

The increase in drug deaths is particularly concentrated among impoverished communities, where individuals are over 15 times more likely to die from overdose compared to wealthier areas.

Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray has expressed that the rise in drug deaths is 'hugely concerning' and has vowed to intensify government efforts to address the crisis.

In response to the crisis, Gray outlined a £250 million national mission that includes opening a safer drug consumption facility pilot and increasing access to naloxone.

Opposition leader Douglas Ross criticized the situation, labeling the statistics as 'shocking and shameful,' reflecting widespread concern over the drug crisis.

Despite previous efforts, treatment targets have not been met, with only a 9% increase in treatment access aimed for by 2024, highlighting ongoing failures in addiction treatment.