Scotland Drug Stats 2023

Drug-related hospitalisations in Scotland are on the rise again. Statistics from Public Health Scotland reveal that 2023/24 witnessed a sharp increase in hospital stays connected to drug misuse, highlighting ongoing challenges around substance use. This article breaks down the latest Scotland drug stats, exploring hospital admission trends, the increase in drug overdoses, and demographic insights.

The latest figures unveil worrying trends:

11,136 drug-related hospital stays were recorded, up from 9,654 in 2022/23.
The European Age-Sex Standardised Rate (EASR) rose to 212 stays per 100,000 population, increasing from 186 stays last year but still below the 2021/22 peak of 242 per 100,000.

While the trends indicate slight recovery from the pandemic lull, the data underscores the persistent burden of drug misuse on healthcare resources.

Opioids Remain the Biggest Concern

Among all substances, opioids (such as heroin) continue to drive the highest hospitalisation rates:

91 stays per 100,000 population were attributed to opioid use.
This is a rise from 83 stays per 100,000 population in 2022/23, though it remains below the peak of 144 recorded in 2019/20.

Cocaine also showed an alarming increase, marking a 41% rise from last year and hitting new highs in hospitalisation rates. Cannabinoids and sedatives were also notable contributors, cementing their role in Scotland’s drug-related challenges.

Hospitalisation Demographics

Surge Among 35-44-Year-Olds

Adults aged 35-44 saw the highest rates of drug-related hospital stays at 373 per 100,000 population this year:

This age group showed an increase compared to 341 stays per 100,000 population in 2022/23.
Male patients made up 69% of all drug-related stays.

Over time, there’s evidence indicating an ageing profile among patients, suggesting long-term substance use impacts on older demographics.

Deprivation and Hospital Stays

Where patients lived played a significant role in hospitalisation rates:

49% of drug-related patients were from Scotland’s most deprived areas, revealing a stark disparity in health outcomes for marginalised communities.

Addressing social and economic drivers of drug prevalence is key to reversing these trends in the long term.

Overdose Statistics Point to Growing Risks

The concern around drug-related poisonings or overdoses continues to grow. Hospital stays for overdose cases rose:

27 stays per 100,000 population, compared to 22 stays last year.
This remains below the peak of 43 stays per 100,000 observed in 2020/21.

The gradual rise over recent years signals an urgent need for public health interventions to reduce overdose incidents.

Scotland’s drug concerns vary widely between health board areas. The regions of NHS Fife, Tayside, and Dumfries & Galloway recorded the highest rates of drug-related admissions. Geographic disparities demonstrate the need for tailored solutions in different areas.

Psychiatric and General Acute Hospital Stays

When breaking down hospitalisation types from 1996/97 to 2023/24:

General acute hospitals recorded steady increases in drug-related stays until peaking in 2019/20, followed by a slight decrease and subsequent small rises.
Psychiatric hospital stays have remained relatively constant, with far lower numbers compared to general facilities.

The Scotland drug stats highlight the significant burden drug misuse places on the nation’s healthcare system and communities. To break the cycle of increasing admissions, a comprehensive approach is needed, focusing on prevention, treatment, and broader societal change.

Source: dbrecoveryresources