Drug-related mortality rates for 25 to 49 year olds in Scotland were four times higher than in England in 2019. Within England, rates were three-and-half times higher for males in the North East and four times higher for women than in London.

Dame Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, said: ‘The soaring drug-related deaths in Scotland and the North East are not just tragic – they are symptoms of long-standing neglect, economic stagnation and policy failure. It's clear that sticking plasters won't cut it: we need a bold, long-term health strategy that tackles prevention, inequality and underinvestment in public health head-on. And in particular far more urgent and targeted action on drugs.'

The UK also fared poorly when compared with other countries with female mortality rates and male mortality rates 14% and 9% higher than the median of peer countries in 2023.

For people aged 25-49 mortality rates for females and males were 46% and 31% higher, respectively, than peer countries.

The Health Foundation called for a new strategy to tackle health inequalities, alongside long-term action to rebuild the nation's health and promote economic recovery in areas of long run industrial decline.

Dixon added: ‘The UK is becoming the sick person of the wealthy world, especially for people of working age.'

Reaction

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan, said: ‘It is not good enough for ministers to sit on their hands and watch the NHS and the opportunity to live a healthy life decay in this way. We need to see the Government step in as a matter of urgency, to reverse the cuts to the public health grant and bring an end to these devastating deaths.'

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Commissioning good quality and effective drug treatment services is essential. But the rising number of deaths demands more. Working in partnership with the police, social care, housing, mental health and prisons, councils can play a vital role in ensuring everyone affected gets the help they need.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Every death from the misuse of drugs is a tragedy.

‘This Government is committed to reducing drug-related deaths and supporting more people into recovery to live healthier, longer lives. We remain on high alert to emerging drug threats, including from synthetic opioids.

‘We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer.'