Official response to NRS stats release: Scotland’s drug deaths 2020

Quote relating to drug death stats in Scotland for 2020, released by NRS on 30 July 2021

Bill Fitzpatrick, director of operations at Community Justice Scotland, said:

“Drug addiction is the most visible symptom that led to the deaths of these 1,339 people in 2020. But in reality many died of hopelessness, trauma and missed opportunities.

“Addiction tears families apart and leaves a legacy of hurt and devastation. It shouldn’t be a death sentence. Many do recover and families can be repaired but only if people are provided with the opportunities and appropriate support to do so.

“This latest figure is an increase in 5 per cent on 2019 – but we shouldn’t lose sight that these numbers represent real people, who have had their futures wiped out by addiction. We need to view this as the public health crisis it is.”