The number of people who lost their lives to drugs in Dumfries and Galloway rose by nearly 60 per cent last year.
New figures from National Records of Scotland show 35 people died as a result of drugs misuse in 2021, compared to 22 in 2020.
It equals the tally from 2019 – the highest figure since records began.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “We were warned there was likely to be a shocking rise in Dumfries and Galloway but that doesn’t make these figures any less shameful and shows that drug deaths aren’t just an issue for big cities, but one that plagues rural communities such as ours.”
Earlier this year, data from Police Scotland revealed 44 people were believed to have died as a result of substance abuse in 2021. Those figures are based on “officers’ observations and other circumstantial evidence”.
National Records of Scotland figures are based on data from death certificates and information from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
They reveal 35 drug deaths in the region last year. There were 1,330 across Scotland, nine fewer than 2020.
Consultant in public health medicine, Dr Andrew Carnon, said: “Deaths through drugs can be preventable, so any loss of life is a matter of huge regret.
“Numbers of suspected drug-related deaths in 2021 saw a notable increase over 2020, and we are continuing to ask everyone to do everything they can to address what continues to be a very deeply concerning situation.
“Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership is committed to tackling the issues around substance use through prevention and education initiatives, by providing the appropriate services to help individuals into treatment and recovery, as well as support for families. We also seek to reduce the stigma that is sometimes associated with use of drugs and can stop people seeking help.”
He added: “During August the ADP, working with local service providers, will be organising a range of pop-up stalls across the region for people to speak to staff about where they can get help accessing treatment services, as well as where to get help for families.”
Last week, the Scottish Government’s Drugs Death Taskforce – chaired by former Dumfries and Galloway chief constable David Strang – said a major cultural change was needed to tackle the issue.
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper said: “Notably the recommended approach is to move away from punishment towards care and a number of changes in the law are recommended, including legislation at a UK level with drugs policy reserved to Westminster.
“Evidence from many other countries such as Portugal and Canada show that treating the misuse of drugs as a healthcare concern rather than a criminal justice concern is more effective in helping people with addiction and reducing drug-related deaths.”
Advice and information is available at www.stopdgdrugdeaths.co.uk
