The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: Scotland's drugs problem

Scotland's drugs problem

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Scotland's drugs problem

Why does Scotland have the worst record in Europe on drug deaths?

Scotland has the worst figures for drug-related deaths anywhere in Europe. According to National Records for Scotland, 1,330 drug users died in 2021 - a slight improvement, but a death rate per capita which is still 4.8 times higher than England's.

Why do so many Scots die from drugs? And what more can be done to prevent it? 

Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are:
James Cook, BBC Scotland Editor
Kirsten Horsburgh, Director of Operations at the Scottish Drugs Forum
Andrew McAuley, Glasgow Caledonian University
Professor Catriona Matheson, University of Stirling
Professor Alex Stevens, University of Kent

PHOTO: Nalaxone kits, which are being used to stop overdoses in Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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