GLASGOW'S grim reputation for drug abuse stretches back to the early 1980s.

By the mid 90s, the city held the unenviable British record for the highest number of drug-related deaths.

New figures show the tally is falling.

After speaking to the people who deal with the issue every day, an investigation by the Evening Times shows startling new trends.

PETER SWINDON reports.

LAST year there were 103 drug-related deaths in Glasgow, 18 fewer than the previous year.

The number of drug-related crimes has remained relatively static during this decade and the number of seizures by police has also fallen slightly.

But these bare statistics do not come close to revealing the true nature of city's drug problem.

Experts say hard drug abuse remains a major problem that will never go away, but now most heroin addicts are in their 30s and 40s.

Instead of opting for the needle, most young people using drugs take a lethal cocktail of chemicals often passed off as something entirely different.

Many of these New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act, and frustrated police officers admit the law can't keep up with the number of new drugs and that they are struggling to stop the supply.

The way that drugs are bought and sold in Glasgow has also completely changed.

Youngsters are no longer forced to take risks buying substances from shadowy underworld dealers.

Drugs can easily be purchased over the counter in city shops or ordered online.

So-called legal highs are the drugs of choice for a growing minority of people in Glasgow.

Our investigation also reveals that the purity level of illegal drugs is often lower than expected - most users are completely unaware of what they have taken.

IT IS also unclear what is in legal highs with some even containing controlled substances in combinations that can kill.

We will also reveal the fallout for the people who try to save those who abuse drugs.

Medics are overwhelmed by people turning up at A&E with drug-related problems and doctors have been forced to come up with new systems to treat symptoms.

A&E staff are also treating people who have suffered horrific injuries sustained during hallucinations brought on by some substances.

Recreational drug use is rife and we found that substances are openly consumed.

Traditional methods remain popular but drug users are finding new ways to take stimulants.

In the coming days the Evening Times will lift the lid on Glasgow's drugs scene.