The total number of drug-related deaths in Ayrshire increased by one last year.
In Ayrshire, drug-related fatalities rose by one in 2023.
According to data released by the National Records of Scotland, the number of drug-related deaths in the county increased to 83 from 82 in 2022.
Drug-related deaths in Ayrshire are still at their lowest levels since 2017 despite a modest rise.
With 36 drug-related deaths, North Ayrshire once again had the highest number in the county, though one fewer than in 2022.
In East Ayrshire, there were 31 drug-related deaths last year – up by one from 2022. South Ayrshire again saw the lowest number of drug-related deaths in the county at 16 – up by one from 2022.
Across Scotland, there were 1,172 drug-related deaths in 2023 – an increase of 121 from 2022. Despite the increase, the total number of drug-related deaths in Scotland remain at pre-pandemic levels.
“We remain committed in our collective work to reduce drug deaths across Ayrshire & Arran,” stated Lynne McNiven, director of public health at NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Every death is tragic for the bereaved, the family, the friends, and the community.
“We provide assistance, treatment choices, and guidance to individuals who may be at risk of drug-related hospital admissions. Before being sent home, patients may also be referred to NHS Drug Treatment/Addiction Services and Support.
“For people with drug dependency/addiction, access to treatment, support and care can make a significant difference to reducing the risk of a drug death and supporting recovery journeys. Understanding how experiences of shame, blame and stigma can make accessing support and staying in recovery harder, is part of our collective response to reducing drug death risks.
“A Community Drug Treatment Services team provide detoxification treatment interventions to support people who want to stop taking drugs. This support is available at home and in local community settings.
“Hospital-based detoxification facilities are now also available at Woodland View in Irvine for people where home detoxification is deemed unsuitable after assessment.
“The sustained trend in high numbers of drug related deaths across Scotland is of great concern. Drug-related deaths are often a reflection of other factors affecting the most vulnerable across Ayrshire communities: adversity, trauma, poverty and wide-ranging experiences of inequality and stigma.
“However, people can and do recover from dependant drug use/addiction. Harm reduction messaging is clear: there can be no certainty or safety in the content of illicit drugs.
“We always advise not to take any substances, drugs or other medicines that are not prescribed. However, help and advice is always available from family doctors (GPs) or local Drug Treatment/Addiction Services and anyone affected or concerned about drug use can find a range of support at any time.”
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