SCOTS DRUGS DEATH TOLL IS SET TO SOAR WARNS EXPERT

Drug deaths in Scotland are set to soar year by year, a leading academic
warned yesterday.

The number dying is now at an epidemic level but will keep on rising unless
a more effective approach is adopted, said Professor Neil McKeganey.

The number of drugs deaths reached record levels last year - with the
Strathclyde Police area alone recording 148.

Professor McKeganey, of Glasgow University's Centre for Drug Misuse, is
calling for closer co-operation between social servies, medics and the
police to try and cut the awful death rate.

Prof McKeganey said: "There is a worrying perception in some quarters that
we are doing all we need to do.

"It is very dangerous conclusion when you look at the number of young
people dying."

His study, based on interviews with 77 addicts all over Scotland, shows
that 40 per cent had considered suicide and thought that current support
systems are failing them.

It also showed many addicts no longer care whether they live or die.

He added that the age when people are first experiencing heroin is falling
all the time with 13 or 14-year-olds now taking the drug - which would have
been unheard of 10 years ago.