Today we launch our latest drug trend report covering 2019 to 2020. This report covers drug trends, explores the drivers behind drug-related deaths and gives insight into the impact of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.
The report is split into three parts:
Part 1 – Drug Trends
In Part 1 we discuss local, national and international trends.
Part 2 – Drug-related Deaths
In Part 2 we give context to the recently released drug-related death report for Scotland in 2019. Drug-related harm and drug-related deaths in Scotland continue to increase, and we delve into the details behind the devastating figures.
1,264 people died after taking drugs in 2019, which is a 6% increase on 2018. Behind each number, family, friends, colleagues and neighbours are left behind. In our latest report we highlight the drugs that are most commonly implicated in drug-related deaths and as well as highlighting several key factors that are driving this deadly trend.
Part 3- COVID -19
In Part 3 we look at the impact of COVID-19 on the drugs market and how it has influenced drug taking behaviours. With the backdrop of a global pandemic and in the face of increased enforcement activity, the drug market has appeared to remain resilient with dealers quickly adapting to restrictions brought in as a response to COVID-19.
We hope the report is accessible, informative and helps everyone to understand the current situation we are seeing around drug use in Scotland today.
Download a PDF copy of the report here:
