Dumfries and Galloway last year recorded its second highest drugs death total in a decade.
Accoding to the latest data from National Records of Scotland there were 22 drug related fatalities in the region in 2020.
Despite that figure dropping from 35 in 2019, it is still the second highest figure since 2010.
However, the local health board has warned of a significant rise this year with 25 suspected drug deaths in the first half of 2021.
Grahame Clarke, chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership, said: “Deaths through drugs are preventable, so any loss of life is a matter of huge regret.
“However, the increase in numbers so far this year compared to 2020 is very marked and we are asking everyone to help do what they can to help address this deeply concerning situation.”
Local politicians have called for more to be done by the Scottish Government.
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson said: “Any drugs related death is simply one too many and we desperately need to provide access to both treatment and rehabilitation programmes to help those who need it
most.
“The news there has already been 25 suspected deaths in the first six months of 2021 is frightening.
“We cannot sit back and simply hope that it is going to improve – we need action and more resources to tackle terrifying menace.
“We are talking about actual lives, deaths that more often or not destroy families – it is not a time for party politics but stern action. Everyone must come together and ensure that it is put to the top of the agenda.”
Dumfriesshire Tory MSP Oliver Mundell said: “Behind every one of those 22 deaths is a broken family grieving the loss of a loved one and it’s clear that much more needs to be done if the spiralling toll of drug-related fatalities is to be curbed locally.
“The number of local drug deaths has accelerated over the last decade and we urgently need decisive action from the Scottish Government to get to grips with this tragic situation.
“It’s so important to communities here in Dumfries and Galloway that Scottish Ministers take the radical steps needed to invest more in local rehab facilities and make sure that those who need access to addiction treatment get it when they need it.”
Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “The continuing rise in drug related deaths should shame us all.
“We should never forget that behind each of these figures is a preventable tragedy where a loved one’s life has been cut far too short.”
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper said: “The drug related death figures for Scotland make for difficult reading and that is why a national mission is already under way to tackle these drug related deaths and this is rightly a priority for the Scottish Government, using the powers available.
“It is vitally important to remember that those whose lives are blighted by drugs are our relatives, our friends, our neighbours and urgent action is being taken to help address issues relating to addiction.
“Even one drug death is too many but it does look like the urgent intervention implemented by the Scottish Government in our region, is working and that we are now moving in a more positive direction.”
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said the figures were “heart-breaking”.
“Without treatment, there is little hope of recovery so we are funding as many community and third sector initiatives as we can so that individuals have the widest possible choice and can opt for the support which suits them and their family.”
