David Strang calls for an overhaul of addiction services and reform of drugs laws in Scotland.
The head of Scotland's drug deaths taskforce has called for an overhaul of addiction services and reform of drugs laws to halt overdose deaths.Its "Changing Lives" report makes 20 recommendations and 139 action points that it says will help turn around Scotland's record drug death numbers.That was more than three times the rate of the rest of the UK and the highest in Europe.
"This is an issue of addiction, which needs treatment, care and support, and compassion - not stigmatisation, discrimination and criminalisation."The drug deaths taskforce was set up in 2019 as Scotland recorded more than 1,000 deaths a year for the first time.Since then, it has distributed around £14m in funding to projects aimed at driving down deaths.
But Mr Strang said the task force is "not going as far" as recommending authorities decriminalise drug possession. "I've since learned that that could be the reason I was overdosing all the time. Although, you've been brought out of it, the drugs are still in your system, so as soon as you go get something else, you're collapsing again."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Forward Leeds alcohol and drugs service achieves rare 'Outstanding' rating from CQCThe alcohol and drug service has The alcohol and drug service has been described as 'highly innovative'
Read more »
Tory leadership race is 'dirtiest ever' claims David DavisFormer cabinet minister David Davis has described the Conservative party leadership race as 'the dirtiest campaign I've ever seen'.
Read more »
Ripped David Beckham’s yacht trip with Victoria, Harper, Cruz and his new loveDavid Beckham, 47, has showed off his impressive and gym-honed figure as he enjoys his Italy vacation aboard a luxury yacht with Victoria, Cruz, Harper and Cruz's new love Tana
Read more »
The David Beckham Netflix Documentary Will Be a Noughties Fashion Gold MineThe former footballer announced that work was underway on the tell-all project
Read more »