Scotland's drugs problem
Why does Scotland have the worst record in Europe on drug deaths?
The Briefing Room · BBC Radio 4
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Show Notes
Scotland has the worst figures for drug-related deaths anywhere in Europe. According to National Records for Scotland, 1,330 drug users died in 2021 - a slight improvement, but a death rate per capita which is still 4.8 times higher than England's.
Why do so many Scots die from drugs? And what more can be done to prevent it?
Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are: James Cook, BBC Scotland Editor Kirsten Horsburgh, Director of Operations at the Scottish Drugs Forum Andrew McAuley, Glasgow Caledonian University Professor Catriona Matheson, University of Stirling Professor Alex Stevens, University of Kent
PHOTO: Nalaxone kits, which are being used to stop overdoses in Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)