DRUG deaths in the Borders are at a record high, according to new figures.

Statistics from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that there were 22 drug-related deaths in 2018, compared with 13 in 2017 – an increase of 70 per cent.

The report also shows the Scotland-wide rate is three times higher than the UK average and the worst in Europe.

A total of 1,187 people died in 2018, an increase of 27 per cent on the year before.

Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health at NHS Borders said: “In Scottish Borders the trend for drug related deaths reflects the national picture. Drug use is frequently a sign of other complex social circumstances such as experiences of trauma, family breakdown and poverty.

“Every death is a tragedy and impacts on families and friends. In Borders we have set up a multi agency Drug Related Death Review Group (DDRG) which is looking at interventions aimed at reducing drug-related deaths at local level. All drug related deaths are reviewed by the DDRG and any implications for policy or practice are then taken back through members to their organisations for progression facilitated by an Outcomes Reporting template for each review.

“In addition, NHS Borders Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP) continues to take a proactive approach to tackling the increased prevalence of problem drug use. A new multi-agency ‘Assertive Engagement Service’ has been commissioned from April 2019 which aims to remove barriers to accessing drug and alcohol services and reduce the harms (including alcohol and drug related death) associated with problem alcohol and drug use.”