Drug deaths in Scotland rise 11% to worst rate in Europe

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 23 Sept, 20:56 · Archive

Scotland recorded 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025, an 11% increase on the previous year and the worst rate in Europe.

Drug-related deaths in Scotland rose by 116 to 1,133 in 2025, maintaining the country's worst fatality rate in Europe. The increase partly reflects the presence of new synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, in the illicit drug market. Over the past decade, drug deaths in Scotland have exceeded 11,000.

How it is being reported

• NEIL McKEGANEY: Scotland should be the last place in Europe to take illegal drugs - NOT the firstThe latest drug death figures for Scotland are nothing short of a national disaster. There is no place in Europe where it is more dangerous to use illegal drugs than in Scotland.Daily Mail · 23 Sept, 19:43
• New powerful synthetic opioid behind sharp rise in Scottish drugs deathsEleven per cent increase in fatalities last year partly down to presence of nitazenes in Scotland’s illicit drug market A new type of powerful synthetic opioid have contributed to a sharp rise in Scottish drug deaths, with the latest data showing an 11% increase in fatalities last year Annual figures released by National Records of Scotland (NRS) on Wednesday recorded 1,133 drug-related deaths in 2025, 116 more than the previous year. The 2025 figures are the sixth highest on record. Continue reading...The Guardian · 23 Sept, 14:12
• Scotland drug deaths remain WORST in Europe as fears surge over 'toxic supply'Scotland's drug deaths remain the worst in Europe as newly released data reveals that 1,133 people lost their lives last year. National Records of Scotland published the data this morning, showing 116 additional deaths occurred in 2025 - an 11 per cent rise compared with 2024. Over the previous ten years, the cumulative death toll has surpassed 11,000 people. When adjusted for age, the mortality rate stands at 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people, representing roughly four times the level recorded at the turn of the century. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Male fatalities drove much of the latest…GB News · 23 Sept, 11:07
• Drugs deaths rise again in the SNP's Scotland - as country retains worst rate in Europe - with cocaine involved in more than half of fatalitiesNew figures from National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed there were 1,133 drug use deaths in Scotland in 2025 - an increase of 116 deaths compared with 2024.Daily Mail · 23 Sept, 10:48
• Drug deaths in Scotland rise 11% as country struggles with worst rate in EuropeThe figure rose by 11% last year, bringing the total deaths in a decade to more than 11,000.BBC News · 23 Sept, 09:48
• Drug-related deaths in Scotland on the riseThe number of people dying due to drug misuse in Scotland has increased - with the country once again having the worst fatality rate in Europe.Sky News · 23 Sept, 08:30

In this story: Scotland · National Records of Scotland · Europe

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