Drug deaths in Scotland have been on the rise since record began in 1998 but there has been a sharp increase since 2014.

Drug deaths in Scotland are several times higher than those in the rest of the UK and are the highest in Europe.

The reasons for the high level of drug related harms in Scotland are complex but are driven by inequality.

A range of social and health inequalities increase the likelihood of a person experiencing a drug problem.

People in our most deprived communities are most affected.

Using multiple drugs at the same time and changes in drug supply, with these inequalities, all contribute to the drug crisis in Scotland.

The MAT standards target inequality by seeing more than a person’s drug use.

It considers wider context that recognises:

• the need for trauma informed care
• the importance of social and psychological support, independent advocacy, and family support
• the need for all services and support to be delivered with kindness and empathy