Diazepam deaths shock for Capital

EDINBURGH had more deaths linked to the prescription drug diazepam than anywhere else in Scotland last year, as new figures showed the city bucked the national trend for falling drug-related fatalities.

A total of 19 people who died from taking drugs in the Capital last year had consumed diazepam, with 47 drug deaths overall recorded. The slight rise from 45 drug-related deaths during 2009 came as Scotland-wide figures showed a fall in fatalities from 545 to 485.

Drug awareness campaigners suggested that the use of diazepam among addicts in the Capital alongside heroin and other substances may account for this increase. Doctors have been trying to limit the prescription of diazepam in a bid to reduce overdoses, but the sedative is readily available through dealers and online.

Across the city last year, heroin was found in the systems of 16 people of the 47 people dying from drugs, with 22 ingesting methadone, one having taken temazepam, one with cocaine, and 14 alcohol-related.

David Liddell, director of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said: "It's extremely disappointing that there has not be any downward trend in the Edinburgh figures.

"NHS Lothian, along with health boards across the country, are now supplying drug users with naloxone, which is used to treat people who have an overdose. They will be able to use naloxone on friends who overdose so hopefully we will start to see a reduction in drug-related deaths because of that.

"The use of diazepam alongside heroin and alcohol has been a feature of drug users, not just in Edinburgh and the Lothians. When they are used together it increases the likelihood of overdose.Perhaps the use of diazepam is a factor behind the overall increase in deaths in Edinburgh.

"Being in drug treatment makes people six times less likely to die than users who are not in treatment. Encouraging people to seek help is the best way to reduce deaths."

In Edinburgh, 28 of the deaths were caused by "drug abuse", according to the figures published yesterday by the Registrar General, with five caused by "intentional self-poisoning" and 14 marked as "undetermined intent". Eight drug deaths were linked to diazepam in Glasgow last year, with seven in Dundee and six in Fife.

In December, the Evening News revealed that the number of people seeking help because they are addicted to the diazepam was on the rise in the Lothians. Almost 700 people contacted support services between April 2009 and March last year to report they were misusing the sedative.

On the street it is nicknamed "blues" or "vallies", and a 10mg tablet is available for 1 or less.

The rising popularity of diazepam is thought to be down partly to its cheapness and easy availability, alongside a drop in the availability and quality of heroin.

A police spokesman said: "We work closely with our various partner agencies to reduce the harm caused by drugs and support a range of initiatives and campaigns that highlight the dangers of drug use while offering relevant support and advice."

Ecstasy strength warning

DRUG awareness campaigners have warned that Ecstasy tablets with a strength at "1990s levels" are being sold in the Capital.

John Arthur, manager of the Crew 2000 drug support agency, said the stronger pills were re-emerging in the city's drug scene and selling for around 10 each.

Most of the "Ecstasy" tablets sold in the city in recent years have actually been "legal highs" such as the cattle drug BZP which are weaker and often sell for as little as 50p.

Mr Arthur said anyone used to taking the weaker tablets had to be aware of the safety issues.

He said: "There are pills now back to the 1990s levels in terms of strength. People have to be careful about how much water they drink and avoid drinking alcohol."