A shocking report has revealed local drug deaths have more than doubled during the COVID-19 lockdown.
A total of 21 people across Lanarkshire are suspected to have lost their lives to drugs since the start of lockdown.
This staggering snapshot, for the period March 23 till May 1, is just one third short of the total number of county drug-related deaths for the whole of 2019.
Compiled by South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, the figures are a stark reminder of the harms, dangers and risks associated with illegal drug use.
In South Lanarkshire, the highest number of suspected COVID-19 drug deaths were in Hamilton (six), with one in East Kilbride and one in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area.
The East Kilbride News has since received unconfirmed reports of two further overdoses in East Kilbride in the last fortnight resulting in the deaths of a man and young mum – which would take the local lockdown death toll to three.
Sixty-two per cent of those recorded in the report were men aged between 31 and 55.
And, tragically, 75 per cent of those deceased had suffered a previous near-fatal overdose – one within a week prior, one between one and six months prior and four, six months prior to their death.
Only two out of the eight found dead were in recent contact with the Addictions Service.
The data also charts drugs and alcohol found at the scene.
In East Kilbride, a gas canister and drug paraphernalia was discovered, while heroin, white powder, tablets, methadone and alcohol were found in Hamilton, along with tin foil, spoons, pipes, syringes and a grinder.
In North Lanarkshire the grim death toll was higher with 13 suspected drug deaths during lockdown – nine male and four female – compared to last year’s total of 18.
The highest number of deaths was in Coatbridge (5), with three in Motherwell, two in Bellshill, two in Cumbernauld and one in Airdrie.
Commenting on the findings, East Kilbride Police Chief Inspector Lex Baillie said: “I would like to remind the public of the risks associated with taking non-prescribed medication and dangers of drugs misuse.
“Always refuse if offered tablets or drugs with an unknown origin, and report any instances to police as soon as possible.
“Each death is a tragedy and there is support for people in South Lanarkshire who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, South Lanarkshire Council Community Addiction Recovery Service (CAReS) – East Kilbride are based in the local social work offices and aim to provide support, advice and assistance to enable you to change how the use of alcohol and/or drugs affects your life.
“They provide an initial assessment and then identify, with you, an individual plan to assist in your recovery. This can range from short term assistance to more long term support depending upon your circumstances.”
NHS Lanarkshire’s clinical director for addictions Dr Adam Brodie said: “The figures highlighted are suspected drug-related deaths which are yet to be confirmed. Anyone who loses their life through substance misuse is a tragedy and the knock-on effects on the people who know and care for the deceased are always deeply distressing.
“I would like to stress that, during this unprecedented time, our drug and alcohol support services remain open. We would encourage anyone with a substance misuse problem to get in touch with our services.”
If you, or someone you know, has a drug problem call the ‘Know the Score’ helpline (0333 230 9468) which has trained advisers available Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. Alternatively visit NHS inform (www.nhsinform.scot/) which provides details of the available services in the Lanarkshire area.
POLITICAL REACTION
Tory MSP for Central Scotland Graham Simpson called the figures “disturbing,” saying they indicated “a much higher rate of drug-related deaths” than before lockdown.
He added: “In both South and North Lanarkshire the monthly rate of drug-related deaths is more than double this year than last.
“All MSPs have been supportive of lockdown as we strive to tackle COVID-19, but we also recognise the risk to people’s mental health. There will be complex reasons behind all these deaths but it is concerning most of those whose lives were lost had overdosed fairly recently.
“That suggests we need to keep a close eye on the particularly vulnerable during this health emergency.”
Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon said Scotland was facing a drug death emergency before the COVID-19 crisis.
She told the News: “Avoidable drug deaths are still ruining the lives of hundreds of people in our communities.
“Scotland was already on track to break records on drug deaths again this year, but coronavirus means the official figures will be delayed.
“What we can’t delay on is the urgent action and investment needed in recovery services which will help stop these needless deaths.”
SNP MSP for East Kilbride Linda Fabiani called the sharp rise “deeply worrying”.
She added: “The current crisis can be overwhelming, with relationships under great stress. People may be feeling anxiety, fear, anger or sadness – all of which is understandable.
“People may therefore turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping. The Scottish government recently launched our ‘Clear your Head’ campaign, with a focus on improving mental health during lockdown and to highlight what support is available.
“There is some really useful advice on www.clearyourhead.scot, and signposts sources of help and advice.
“The Beacons is an excellent local resource for those in recovery – for telephone support call 01698 755 926.”
