Scotland has recorded a significant drop in drug-related deaths, reaching the lowest total since 2017, but the country continues to grapple with the highest drug death rate in Europe. According to figures published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on September 2, 2025, there were 1,017 drug misuse deaths in 2024—a 13% decrease, equating to 155 fewer deaths compared to 2023. This marks the lowest figure in eight years, reversing a worrying 12% rise in 2023 that saw fatalities climb to 1,172.
Despite this progress, the scale of the crisis remains sobering. Scotland’s drug death rate is still the highest in Europe, far outpacing other UK nations. The NRS reported that there were 19.1 drug misuse deaths per 100,000 people in 2024, a figure 3.6 times higher than in 2000. For comparison, Estonia had the next highest rate in Europe at 135 per million in 2023, while Scotland’s was 191 per million. Over the past decade, nearly 11,000 people have died from drug misuse across the country.
Glasgow City, Dundee City, and Inverclyde have consistently had the highest rates of drug misuse deaths from 2020 to 2024. However, there are signs of improvement in some areas. Glasgow, which recorded the highest number of deaths, saw a 25% decrease compared to the previous year. Edinburgh and Aberdeen also experienced declines of 17% and 19%, respectively. Conversely, Aberdeenshire and Dumfries saw increases of 52% and 100%.
Deprivation continues to be a critical factor. The latest statistics show that people in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 12 times more likely to die from drug misuse than those in the least deprived areas—a slight improvement from 15 times more likely in 2023, but still a stark disparity. Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events Statistics at NRS, emphasized, “The figures show us that males continue to be more than twice as likely to have a drug misuse death as females.”
The substances implicated in these deaths remain largely unchanged. Opiates and opioids were present in 80% of cases, benzodiazepines in 56%, and cocaine in 47%. While deaths involving opiates, opioids, and benzodiazepines decreased in 2024, cocaine-related deaths held steady at a record high, responsible for 479 fatalities for the second consecutive year. More than nine out of ten drug misuse deaths (91%) were classified as accidental poisonings, with 6% deemed intentional self-poisonings.
Youth deaths have also declined, with 34 under-25s dying in 2024 compared to 58 in 2023. This drop offers some hope that targeted interventions may be having an impact on younger Scots. Yet, the overall mortality rate for drug poisoning in Scotland in 2023 remained 2.8 times higher than in England and Northern Ireland, and 1.9 times higher than in Wales. These rates have persisted for over a decade, underscoring the depth of Scotland’s crisis.
Political leaders from across the spectrum have responded to the figures with a mix of cautious optimism and persistent concern. Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, stated, “Every life lost to drugs is a tragedy and each has a devastating impact on families and communities across the country. While it is welcome that there has been progress made towards reducing the number of fatalities, there are still far too many lives being needlessly cut short. Scotland’s drug emergency is claiming far too many lives and more must be done to not only save lives but ensure that people can get the recovery support that they need.” She also called for greater collaboration between the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, local authorities, and health boards to both hold those profiting from the drug trade accountable and improve support for victims.
Scottish Conservatives have been sharply critical of the Scottish National Party (SNP) government’s record. Annie Wells, the party’s shadow drugs minister, commented, “These devastating figures lay bare the tragic human toll of Scotland’s drugs emergency which has spiralled out of control on the SNP’s watch. It’s heartbreaking and intolerable that so many lives continue to be lost, and so many families left bereft, because Scotland has the highest drugs death rate in Europe. And it’s shameful that, as ever with this Nationalist government, those living in the poorest areas are worst affected. SNP ministers have repeatedly taken their eye off the ball, and still have no coherent and credible strategy for tackling this national crisis.” Wells called for a shift in focus from drug consumption rooms to treatment and rehabilitation, urging First Minister John Swinney to back the Conservatives’ Right to Recovery Bill, which would guarantee the right to life-saving treatment for all Scots.
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton described the situation as a "national tragedy," highlighting that 85 people are dying each month. He criticized previous funding cuts and emphasized his party’s efforts to restore and expand support for drug and alcohol services, including a new facility for mothers and babies affected by addiction.
On the government side, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd acknowledged the positive trend but stressed that “there is still work to be done.” During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, she said, “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs. It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.” Todd warned of new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death. To address these challenges, she pointed to record funding for drugs and alcohol programs, expanded access to treatment, residential rehabilitation, and life-saving naloxone. The government has also supported the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility—The Thistle in Glasgow—which began operating in January 2025, though its impact will only become clear in future statistics. Additionally, the government is working to introduce drug-checking facilities and continues to fund more than 300 grassroots organizations and projects.
At the community level, initiatives like The Scheme Livi are making a tangible difference. Co-founder Aidan Martin explained, “At The Scheme Livi, we’ve seen first-hand how grassroots projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since launching full-time in March 2023, we’ve welcomed over 3,100 attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits. These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe, supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, and social deprivation.”
While the decline in drug deaths offers a glimmer of hope, the enduring scale of the crisis and persistent inequalities serve as a stark reminder that Scotland’s fight against drug misuse is far from over. Policymakers, health professionals, and communities alike are left with the challenge—and the responsibility—to ensure that progress continues, and that every life at risk is given a chance for recovery.
