Drug deaths in East Lothian reach highest number on record

The number of fatalities in East Lothian has increased for the fourth year in a row, with last year’s number the highest since records began.

On Tuesday, the National Records of Scotland released the drug death figures for Scotland during 2023, showing that 1,172 people died in Scotland due to drug misuse last year, an increase of 121 from the previous year.

The figures also revealed that a total of 20 deaths were recorded in East Lothian in 2023, compared to 17 in 2022, 16 in 2021 and 14 in 2020.

The numbers have more than doubled in the last decade, with eight drug deaths listed in 2014, and they have increased incrementally since.

Out of the 20 individuals who lost their lives last year due to drugs, 19 were classified as accidental.

Eight of those who died were found to have heroin in their system, seven had diazepam, six had cocaine and two had alcohol.

'Horrifying figures'

Douglas Alexander, MP for Lothian East, called for "concerted and effective action" to bring down drug deaths.

said: “These new and horrifying figures represent more lives tragically lost to drug deaths here in East Lothian and across Scotland.

“This is an issue far more fundamental than party politics. Behind every one of these horrific statistics are human stories afflicting daughters, sons, partners and parents.

“That’s why it’s time for more concerted and effective action to properly tackle this deadly crisis.”

Paul McLennan, East Lothian’s MSP, described the new statistics as "hugely concerning".

He said: "My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

"The Scottish Government is taking a wide range of actions through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, including opening a Safer Drug Consumption Facility pilot, working towards the opening of drug-checking facilities, and widening access to life-saving naloxone.

"It will also continue to improve access to residential rehab, where we’re on track to meet our target for additional placements and drive the rollout of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards to make treatment and support available more quickly.

'Intensify our efforts'

"I believe that National Mission action has seen much progress in a short space of time, with projects delivered on an unprecedented scale making a real difference to people.

“We will intensify our efforts and are also working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.

"There has been a 67 per cent increase in funding from 2014-15 to 2024-25 and we have made record levels of funding, of more than £112 million, available to alcohol and drugs partnerships (ADPs).

“Additional National Mission funding and support has created momentum in local areas to put services in place to save lives.

"I have asked for a meeting with Scottish Government officials, along with local agencies, to discuss specific East Lothian issues.

"I want to say to anyone who is currently using drugs that help is available. You can reach out to the available services in East Lothian, especially the resources and information provided by Midlothian and East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership (MELDAP).

“In addition, naloxone distribution and training are available via MELDAP. Anyone in East Lothian who is likely to find someone experiencing an overdose can request a naloxone kit to carry and can access training.  

“Naloxone is highly effective at reversing the effects of opioid-related overdoses, and this can make a crucial difference in survival rates for anyone experiencing an overdose." 

'Further work required'

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) highlighted that most of the individuals who died in East Lothian were not engaged with any treatment services at the time of death.

Fiona Wilson, chief officer and joint director of ELHSCP, said: “We continue to work with partners, including from the third sector and Police Scotland, to reduce the harmful impact of long-term drug use and to provide outreach support into communities. 

“We have increased investment in a range of services, including improved access to naloxone [a medication used to block the effects of opioids such as heroin], peer support and the implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment Standards that have a focus on access to services and choice within a range of treatment and support.

“We know that further work is still required to support more people into treatment, and work to achieve this is set out in the respective alcohol and drug partnership strategies. 

“We also continue to work within NHS Lothian and with our Community Planning Partnership colleagues to address the wider causes of substance use harm, including through poverty prevention work.”

Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Partnership treatment services provide rapid access into treatment for people who use alcohol and drugs.

MELDAP provides a direct phoneline service where people can be directed to the drug or alcohol use support either for themselves or a loved one.

The confidential service can be accessed via calls or texts at 07843 339958 and is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, and Thursday to Sunday 5-10pm, as well as having a 24-hour messaging service.