A people’s panel urges Scotland to take urgent steps to address the alarming drug death crisis with bold and effective measures
Edinburgh: A recent report from a people’s panel highlights the urgent need for Scotland to tackle its drug death crisis. The panel, made up of 23 members from various backgrounds, found that the current efforts just aren’t cutting it. They’re calling for some serious changes.
The report suggests 19 recommendations, including dedicated funding to combat drug deaths and a public campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. They also want better communication between government agencies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Interestingly, the panel supports the Scottish Government’s approach of not punishing people for minor drug offenses. They believe that prisons don’t help and can actually make things worse for those struggling with addiction.
Scotland has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe, with 833 suspected deaths last year alone. The panel was shocked to see how little urgency there is in addressing this crisis. They feel like the same discussions keep happening without real action being taken.
While they acknowledged some progress, like the naloxone programs and the opening of safer drug consumption rooms, they stressed that it’s not nearly enough. They want a cultural shift in how Scotland views and handles drug issues.
The panel also emphasized the importance of including voices from the third sector and those with lived experiences of drug misuse in the conversation. They believe that without addressing the stigma surrounding addiction, real change will be hard to achieve.
Members of the panel met in Parliament to gather insights from various experts and those affected by drug harms. Their findings cover a range of topics, from justice to access to treatment and prevention strategies.
Mairi McIntosh, a panel member, expressed how humbling the experience was. She highlighted the urgent need for the Scottish Government to take bold action to address the rising drug-related deaths.
MSP Audrey Nicoll thanked the panel for their hard work and said their recommendations would be taken seriously. Health Secretary Neil Gray also acknowledged the progress made but stressed that more needs to be done.
He mentioned that they’re focusing on increasing access to treatment and support services, including naloxone, which can save lives. The government is committed to using the panel’s recommendations to guide their efforts moving forward.
