EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The number of deaths due to drug abuse in Scotland rose from 455 in 2007 to 574 in 2008, General Register Office for Scotland reported Wednesday.
The Scotsman reported experts say they think part of the reason the death rate is growing is there are many older drug users, many of whom have been addicts for years.
The report indicated the trend "appears to be steadily upwards."
"We launched in January a new drug-related deaths database to look at the circumstances behind each death, rather than just counting numbers, so that local partners can put in place appropriate interventions," said Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing
Biba Brand, a Scottish Drugs Forum spokeswoman, said of the older drug users, "Many have been using drugs -- primarily heroin -- for a long time. As a result, their physical health will have deteriorated and many will have become increasingly socially isolated over the years," the newspaper reported.
Brand added such isolation could make older users more vulnerable to accidental overdose or more inclined to suicidal overdose.
"In addition," she said, "older drug users not in treatment services can lose hope about their chances of overcoming their drug problem and living a normal life."
