DRUG related deaths are expected to rise to even higher record levels once again in Glasgow when figures are published next month.
Experts from the health board and NHS told MPs that the rise "must be stopped" and interventions are needed.
Last year, the figures published showed that there were 170 deaths in Glasgow in 2017 mostly involving opiates like heroin but with a rise in street valium contributing to more overdoses.
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Glasgow has most compelling case in Europe for safe drug facilityThe total for 2018 could easily top 200 deaths a year if early indications are correct. Form January to October 2018 there was a reported 45% increase.
Dr Saket Priyadarshi, Medical Director for Addictions, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said that a big rise was expected
He said: "All the intelligence is a very significant rise, even from last year which was the highest ever recorded.”
Dr Priyadarshi said that more resources were needed but also a new approach and he said that the proposed Safer Drug Consumption Room could help reduce deaths.
Pointing to international evidence, that shows a reduction in drug deaths in the immediate area around facilities and across the city, he told MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee that Glasgow should be allowed to pilot a DCR.
He added: “In Glasgow, we know there is a population that could benefit.”
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Tory hypocrisy on drugs must endConservative, MP Ross Thomson, who is against opening a Safe Drug Consumption Facility, said there were ethical and policing issues to be considered around permitting illegal drugs to be taken into and consumed on the premises.
Prior to the committee hearing, he said on twitter “I’ve visited a drug consumption room to see it in operation for myself.
“Opening them in the UK will be the thin end of the wedge. We need to ensure people end their addiction not simply manage it.
“Consumption rooms won’t cut heroin abuse and deaths."
However, the concerns were dismissed by the expert witnesses who said all the international evidence points to a reduction in deaths and no increase in drug taking or dealing.
Dr Priyadarshi said: “From a medical point of view clinicians work with active drug users all the time.
“Look at the environment people are injecting in. I think on balance, ethically I haven’t heard any concerns.”
Elinor Dickie, Public Health Intelligence Adviser, NHS Health Scotland said that the policing concerns could be worked around in line with current practice on possession of cannabis or around needle exchanges.
She said: “Not pursuing these offences, we already see around injecting equipment provision services where it has been deemed not to be in the public interest across the UK.”
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