Rachael Hamilton MSP has raised concerns over new figures that show that drug deaths have doubled across the Borders.
In 2018, there were 21 deaths across the Borders, compared to 10 in the previous year. Figures were reported by Dr Tim Patterson (Director of Public Health) at a recent meeting of the Scottish Borders Council.
Across Scotland, there are currently 364 patients who have been waiting for more than six weeks for NHS help to tackle drug and alcohol addiction, around 14 per cent of all those seeking support. That represents an increase of 9 per cent, or 236 people, at the same point last year. The statistics published by ISD Scotland also show some people are even being forced to wait more than 18 weeks for treatment to start.
Ms Hamilton is calling on the Scottish Government to give every problem drug user more support through a ‘Life Plan’ and focus on rehabilitation and recovery.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“These figures are extremely worrying and opioid use, addiction and overdose is clearly a serious and increasing problem in Scotland.
“The Scottish Conservatives recently launched our own drugs policy which calls on government to focus on showing hard drug users that there is a better way.
“The SNP has failed to stop the steady increase of opioid use and almost 2,600 people overdosed and found themselves in hospital last year alone.
“They must take action now, focus on rehabilitation and recovery and stop this devastating cycle of drug use, overdose and death.”