In 2009, there were 545 drug-related deaths in Scotland. Of this total number, heroin and/or morphine was implicated in 322 deaths (59%), 76% were male and 68% aged 25 and older. Further detail on these figures can be found on the General Register Office (Scotland) website.
The Scottish Government recognises the devastating impact these deaths have on family, friends and the wider community and is committed to reducing the number of drug related deaths in Scotland and supporting more people towards recovery.