Substance Use & Alcohol

Substance use

Problematic substance use is rarely an independent choice by an individual but rather the culmination of multiple adverse life events, often experienced from a young age.

The problematic use of both drugs and alcohol causes significant harm and is associated with poor mental and physical health, experiences of trauma, involvement in the criminal justice system and domestic violence.  It has a considerable impact on family members, including children and the wider community, with those living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation much more likely to be affected.

The recent and sustained increase in the number of people dying as a result of drug use is of significant public health concern.  In 2018 there were a total of 78 drug deaths in Tayside, compared to 73 in 2017, the highest number ever recorded in this region.  Each drug death is a tragedy and impacts on a wide range of people, often including children, and has far reaching implications for families and communities.

Drug Death Annual Report

Each drug death is comprehensively reviewed by the Tayside Drug Death Review Group which works closely with the Alcohol and Drug Partnerships in Tayside to identify new areas where improvements can be made with the aim of reducing and preventing drug deaths in future.

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2021

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2020

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2019

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2018

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2017

Tayside Drug Death Review Group Annual Report 2016

Cocaine Health Needs Assessment

Following the case reviews in 2018, Public Health sought to understand more about the concerning increase in cocaine related harm.  The findings of this work and associated recommendations are published in the following report:

Cocaine Health Needs Assessment

Benzodiazepines Needs Assessment

In response to evidence of widespread benzodiazepine use, NHS Tayside Directorate of Public Health has undertaken an assessment of the health and recovery support needs of people in Tayside who use benzodiazepines.  This assessment included a process of consultation with members of the Tayside community affected by benzodiazepine use.  The findings and recommendations are published in the following report:

Benzodiazepines Needs Assessment

Sources of support and advice

If anyone has concerns about their own drug or alcohol use or that of a friend or family member, we would encourage them to seek support from

Dundee:  Integrated Substance Misuse Service, Tel:  (01382) 632542

Angus:  Angus Integrated Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service, Tel:  (01241) 435820

Perth & Kinross:  Drug and Alcohol Team, Highland House, Tel:  (01738) 474455
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1926 - 2022