Substance abuse death rates rise

15 Jun 09
Drug and alcohol-related death rates in Scotland have doubled in the past 15 years and are among the highest in Europe, auditors have said.

By David Meilton

Drug and alcohol-related death rates in Scotland have doubled in the past 15 years and are among the highest in Europe, auditors have said.

Drug and alcohol-related death rates in Scotland have doubled in the past 15 years and are among the highest in Europe, auditors have said.

The Audit Scotland report, published on March 26, said the public sector spent £173m last year directly on drug and alcohol services for prevention, treatment and enforcement activities. But the impact was blunted by the failure to co-ordinate various efforts properly.

The report called for the Scottish Government to work with the NHS, councils and other partners to ensure all public bodies are clear about their collective responsibilities.

Auditor general for Scotland Bob Black said: ‘Drug and alcohol misuse is a significant and worsening problem in Scotland. The range of services for people in need of help can depend on where they live, and there is not enough information about the effectiveness of these services.’

John Baillie, chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, said: ‘It is very important that councils and their partners have a good understanding of what services they need to deliver and of the cost and impact of these.’

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