16 April 2024
Today (Tuesday, 16 April 2024), Public Health Scotland has released information on hospital activity relating to illicit drug use.
The report shows that:
- There were 9,663 drug-related hospital stays. The European Age-sex Standardised Rate (EASR) of drug-related hospital stays was 182 stays per 100,000 population. This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 283 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
- The highest substance-specific stay rate (81 per 100,000 population) was for opioids (drugs similar to heroin). This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 141 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
- The highest patient rate (337 per 100,000 population) was observed among people aged 35-44 years. This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 515 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
- Just under half (48%) of the patients with a drug-related hospital stay lived in the most deprived areas in Scotland.
- The rate of stays for drug poisoning/overdose decreased to 21 stays per 100,000 population. This was the second consecutive decrease in overdose stay rates, and the lowest recorded rate since 2006/0
Statement
Louise Stewart, Director of Service Delivery at WithYou, says: “Scotland has had the highest number of drug-related deaths in Europe for many years, with the majority linked to opiates. Today’s report shows that these substances are also responsible for the majority of drug-related hospital stays.
“We know there are many reasons why people use opiates. I recently spoke to a man who had used heroin for nearly 30 years. He described experiencing trauma as a child, and ‘chasing oblivion’ in order to cope as an adult.
“As we strive to reduce drug-related deaths and save lives, we must ensure that people know that change is possible and that help is available to them - whether it’s hospital treatment or support from a charity like WithYou.
“The services we deliver across Scotland help to reduce pressure on our hospitals by offering harm reduction advice, access to recovery groups, and one-to-one support to stop or reduce drug use. We are proud of their impact, and we want to continue to work in unity with The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to grow these services and reach more people.
“My advice for anyone who is worried about their drug use, or that of a loved one, is quite simply to get in touch with us. Our webchat, available at wearewithyou.org.uk, offers free, confidential advice from expert recovery workers. We are WithYou.”
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
Fay Hoyland - fay.hoyland@wearewithyou.org.uk / 07876032959