A RISING number of drug users are clogging up Lothian hospitals as a result of substance abuse, figures reveal. Three patients every day are being discharged from hospitals as a direct result of drugs, with the number rising by 30 per cent in just three years. And as the statistics relate to admissions due to the direct physiological effects of drugs, rather than injuries caused as an indirect result of substance abuse, there are fears that they represent only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the strain narcotics are placing on hospitals.
Gavin Brown, Conservative MSP for the Lothians, said: “The fact that these figures are so high and on the increase should be of great concern to all of us. “The Scottish Government claims to have had an approach over the last few years based on recovery, however, these figures and others suggest the approach is not being effectively implemented on the ground. This should be investigated as a matter of urgency and we need to spell out clearly how we intend to tackle the problem.”
Opioids, including heroin and methadone, were by far the most common cause of acute hospital visits, accounting for 738 discharges in the region over the year-long period. Cannabinoids, sedatives and cocaine also led to stints in hospital.
The figures do not include alcohol.
