Drug Misuse in Scotland: Policy, Prevalence, and Public Health

Abstract

The paper outlines the nature and extent of illegal drug use in Scotland. The paper provides a detailed discussion of the impact of HIV among injecting drug users in Scotland. It is shown that although HIV remains a major public health concern within parts of Scotland, most notably in Edinburgh and Dundee, HIV infection remains low elsewhere within Scotland. Although concern in relation to HIV has receded in light of the continuing low prevalence, there has been growing concern over the marked increase in drug-related deaths among drug users within parts of Scotland. Within the policy sphere greater attention is now being given to topic of drug prevention and the impact of drug use on community well being.