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| Injecting drug users rise by 30% | Injecting drug users rise by 30% | ||||
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| The number of injecting drug users in Scotland is continuing to increase, according to the latest figures. | The number of injecting drug users in Scotland is continuing to increase, according to the latest figures. | ||||
| A study by Glasgow University estimated that in 2006, 23,933 people in Scotland were injecting drugs, representing about a 30% rise on estimates for 2003. | A study by Glasgow University estimated that in 2006, 23,933 people in Scotland were injecting drugs, representing about a 30% rise on estimates for 2003. | ||||
| Another report estimated that the value of the illicit drugs market in Scotland was £1.4bn, while the economic and social cost was estimated at £3.5bn. | Another report estimated that the value of the illicit drugs market in Scotland was £1.4bn, while the economic and social cost was estimated at £3.5bn. | ||||
| Ministers said the figures highlighted why the new drugs strategy was needed. | Ministers said the figures highlighted why the new drugs strategy was needed. | ||||
| The new official estimates suggest there are more than 55,000 problem drug users in Scotland, including those being prescribed the heroin substitute methadone. | The new official estimates suggest there are more than 55,000 problem drug users in Scotland, including those being prescribed the heroin substitute methadone. | ||||
| While this figure is in line with previous estimates, the number of people injecting has jumped about 30% since the last time this type of data was compiled, for 2003. class="bodl" href="#table">See a breakdown of the estimated drug users in Scotland | |||||
| The problem is worst in Glasgow where one in every 25 people between the ages of 16 and 64 inject. | The problem is worst in Glasgow where one in every 25 people between the ages of 16 and 64 inject. | ||||
| West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and Dundee also report high levels of injecting, and significant rises since the previous estimates. | West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and Dundee also report high levels of injecting, and significant rises since the previous estimates. | ||||
| Meanwhile, another report has for the first time estimated the total value and cost of the illegal drugs market in Scotland. | Meanwhile, another report has for the first time estimated the total value and cost of the illegal drugs market in Scotland. | ||||
| It suggested that heroin holds the largest share of a market worth £1.4bn, at 39%, while cannabis holds the second largest share at 19%. | It suggested that heroin holds the largest share of a market worth £1.4bn, at 39%, while cannabis holds the second largest share at 19%. | ||||
| The total economic and social cost of illicit drug use is estimated at £3.5bn, with problem drug use accounting for 96% of the total costs. | The total economic and social cost of illicit drug use is estimated at £3.5bn, with problem drug use accounting for 96% of the total costs. | ||||
| The costs are based on five areas; health, criminal justice, social care, costs to the economy and the wider costs to society. | The costs are based on five areas; health, criminal justice, social care, costs to the economy and the wider costs to society. | ||||
| 'Working closely' | 'Working closely' | ||||
| Communities Minister, Fergus Ewing, said the figures underlined the need for a new approach. | Communities Minister, Fergus Ewing, said the figures underlined the need for a new approach. | ||||
| "While progress is being made, it is unacceptable that some people are still having to wait months to get the help they seek," he said. | "While progress is being made, it is unacceptable that some people are still having to wait months to get the help they seek," he said. | ||||
| "That is why we are working closely with our partners to develop a waiting times target for services, to improve access to appropriate treatment to promote recovery from addiction. | "That is why we are working closely with our partners to develop a waiting times target for services, to improve access to appropriate treatment to promote recovery from addiction. | ||||
| "We have also increased our funding to NHS boards for drug treatment services to support work to tackle waiting times." | "We have also increased our funding to NHS boards for drug treatment services to support work to tackle waiting times." | ||||
| He said spending on drug treatment services would be 18% higher this year than three years ago. | He said spending on drug treatment services would be 18% higher this year than three years ago. | ||||
| Drug | Problem | Recreational | Total | Heroin50,077–50,077Methadone (Illict)18,019–18.019Crack cocaine15,697–15,697Cocaine (powder)14,813100,111115,541Amphetamines6,13563,79170,182Ecstasy12,04989,867102,418Cannabis40,294321,352363,323Benzodiazepines42,89249,11393,790 |