49 Forth Valley drug-related deaths last year

49 people died due to drugs in 2024 in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

That's a drop from the 62 deaths recorded in 2023.

21 deaths were recorded in Falkirk, 16 were registered in Stirling, and there were 12 drug-related deaths in Clackmannanshire.

Across Scotland, there were 1,017 drug misuse deaths registered last year.

That's a decrease of 13%, or 155 deaths, compared with 2023. 

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said ‘there is still work to be done':

“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 spread of grassroots support, enhanced by our funding of more than 300 organisations and projects, has also made a difference on the ground. However, we will always want to do more and will continue to work hard to adapt to new patterns of consumption and demand to direct support where it is most needed.”

Justina Murray, CEO of Scottish Families said:

“Our families are being crushed by the weight of expectation that they can keep their loved ones alive amidst Scotland’s ongoing drug deaths crisis. They are already doing everything within their gift, and more, to Love and Protect their loved ones. From learning about the signs of overdose and how to respond, to practical and financial support including taking their loved ones to appointments and championing their rights, families’ expertise and commitment to harm reduction is clear. But they cannot possibly be expected to take responsibility for reversing Scotland’s drug deaths crisis. We need to see other part of the system play their part, and demonstrate some return on investment for the significant funds which have come from the National Drugs Mission. We already know what works to prevent and reduce drug deaths – from welcoming and high quality treatment and care services to community-based drug testing and drug checking. We have committed to all of this in our policies and strategies. Now we need to make it happen.”