THE number of deaths caused by drug misuse fell by 13% to 1017 last year – the lowest level registered since 2017.
According to statistics published by National Records of Scotland on Tuesday, there were 155 fewer deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The statistics showed that people in the most deprived areas were 12 times more likely to die from drugs as those in least deprived areas. This is a drop from 15 times more likely in 2023.
There was also a drop in the number of deaths among young people, with 34 under-25s losing their lives compared with 58 in 2023.
The council area with the highest amount of drug deaths is Glasgow City, however it has decreased by 25% compared to last year, the figures show. Edinburgh's rate decreased by 17%, and Aberdeen's by 19%.
Conversely, Aberdeenshire saw an increase of 52%, and Dumfries of 100%.
The most common drugs implicated in drug misuse deaths in 2024 were opiates/opioids (80% of deaths), benzodiazepines (56%) and cocaine (47%).
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said "there is still work to be done" by the Scottish Government to deal with the harm caused by drugs.
During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, which offers a variety of creative workshops to support people dealing with substance use, Todd said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.
“It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.
“This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death.
“That is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities."
The Thistle in Glasgow, the UK's first safe consumption space, opened in January 2025, meaning any impact on the figures will not be visible until next year.
The Scheme Livi co-founder Aidan Martin said: "At The Scheme Livi, we’ve seen first-hand how grassroots projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since launching full-time in March 2023, we’ve welcomed over 3100 attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits.
“These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe, supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, and social deprivation."
Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “Every life lost to drugs is a tragedy and each has a devastating impact on families and communities across the country.
“While it is welcome that there has been progress made towards reducing the number of fatalities, there are still far too many lives being needlessly cut short.
“Scotland’s drug emergency is claiming far too many lives and more must be done to not only save lives but ensure that people can get the recovery support that they need.
“The SNP Government must also work with Police Scotland, local authorities and health boards to ensure that those making money out of this misery are held to account, while their victims have the best possible chance of recovery.”
