Humza Yousaf has pledged to look at whether more money can be spent on drug treatment services if he becomes the next First Minister.
The health secretary, one of three candidates vying to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader, admitted it was "shameful" how many Scots lose their lives each year to addiction.
In an interview with the Record, Yousaf said he was committed to retaining a dedicated drugs policy minister who reports directly to the First Minister.
