The number of drug-related deaths in Fife has reached a ten year high with 46 recorded last year, up from 17 in 2004.
Across Scotland, 613 people died during 2014, 74% of victims were men.
A report has cited changes in drugs classification as one of the underlying reasons for the rise. In 2014, tramadol and zopiclone became controlled drugs. According to ISD Scotland, £22.4 million was spent on methadone fees in 2013 which was up on the £18.6 million spent in 2012
Commenting Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “Drugs are still ruining far too many lives across Scotland and the presence of heroin and methadone in a large number of deaths is especially tragic.
“With so many deaths linked to a drug that is supposed to help with addiction the Scottish Government must work hard to ensure that methadone is used in co-operation with a number of other withdrawal techniques in order to help users get clean.
“Too many communities across Mid-Scotland and Fife are gripped by drug misuse and modern Scotland must get a grip of an issue that is refusing to go away.”
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