Methadone: The heroin replacement therapy attributed to 173 deaths last year. Pic: © STV
While Scotland experienced a fall in the number of drugs deaths, experts warn the overall trend is still upwards.
In 2008, Scotland recorded its highest ever death rate related to drugs. And while there was a 5% drop to 2009, the number remained the second highest ever recorded.
Here is the breakdown of the trend and of which drugs claimed the most lives in Scotland.
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There were 545 drugs related deaths in Scotland in 2009, down from 574 in 2008. However, the latest figures represent a 20% rise on 2007’s total and a 87% increase over the ten years since 1999.
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76% of those killed by drugs were male.
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The highest proportion of deaths, 35%, were in the 35-44 year old age category, while a further 33% of those who died were aged between 25 and 34.
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The highest proportion of deaths, 37%, occurred in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, followed by the Lothians, which accounted for 15%.
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Heroin and morphine were implicated in, or potentially contributed to, 322 deaths, or 59% of the total.
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The heroin replacement methadone was implicated in 32% of deaths, a total of 173.
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Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, contributed to 154 deaths or 28%
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A total of 32 deaths were attributed to cocaine, two to ecstasy and six to amphetamines.
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Alcohol was implicated in a total of 165 deaths.
