Earlier today, 22 August 2023, the National Records of Scotland published their annual statistical report on drug-misuse deaths for 2022.
Earlier today, 22 August 2023, the National Records of Scotland published their annual statistical report on drug-misuse deaths for 2022.
For East Lothian, a total of 17 deaths were recorded. Each one of these deaths represents a tragic loss of life, and our condolences go out to the families and friends involved.
Over the course of 2022, MELDAP (Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Partnership) services supported over 500 East Lothian residents providing rapid access into treatment for people who use alcohol and drugs. Regrettably a significant number of the individuals who died were not engaged in treatment services at the time of death.
Reaching people involved with drug use can be challenging as they often lead isolated lives and face a number of related issues such as poor health, social isolation, mental health issues and poverty.
Nevertheless, East Lothian’s Substance Use Team and partners in conjunction with MELDAP, continue to take an assertive approach to engaging with vulnerable and harder to reach individuals to offer advice, prescriptive medication and social work support to help them navigate through their recovery journey.
This includes outreach programmes; providing low-threshold approaches such as recovery cafés and peer-led support; increasing the distribution of Naloxone; ensuring the delivery of Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards, and extending the availability of the Mid and East Lothian Drugs (MELD) Contact Service.
The MELD Contact Service provides a direct point of contact for all substance use related services. By calling or texting 07843 339 958, individuals, concerned family members or friends can engage in a confidential, trauma informed, person centred conversation focussed on addressing their concerns and needs. From there the individual or caller will be directed to the most appropriate service or combination of services to gain appropriate support. This includes access to same day assessment and treatment for those using opiates, including psychosocial support.
If you are affected by drug use, or are caring for someone who is, the MELD Contact Service is available by calling 07843 339 958 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, and Thursday to Sunday 5pm-10pm as well as having a 24/hr messaging service.
Further information is available on our Addiction Support web pages.