Scotland’s drug crisis deepens: what the latest RADAR report reveals

Drug-related harm remains one of Scotland’s most pressing public health challenges, with the latest quarterly report from Public Health Scotland (PHS), revealing a concerning resurgence in drug-related harms across the country.

The report – published 29 July, and covering March-May 2025 – is part of Scotland’s Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) system, designed to monitor and respond quickly to changes in drug use trends and associated risks.

The data shows significant increases in emergency department attendances, naloxone administrations, and suspected drug-related deaths. These figures represent a reversal of the previous downward trend seen in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, signalling an urgent need for renewed public health focus and intervention.

Here, we explore the key findings of the RADAR report, what they mean for individuals, families and communities across Scotland, and the steps being taken to reduce harm and save lives.

Drug-related deaths, overdoses and hospital visits rise sharply

Public Health Scotland’s RADAR report paints a sobering picture of the state of drug-related harm during the spring of 2025.

Between March and May, the number of individuals affected by drug misuse rose markedly, with several key indicators showing significant increases.

Key stats from March–May 2025:

• 312 suspected drug-related deaths, equating to approximately 24 deaths per week – a 15% increase on the previous quarter, and 7% higher than the same period in 2024.
• Naloxone administrations by emergency services rose by 45%, indicating more frequent opioid-related overdoses requiring intervention.
• Emergency department attendances due to acute drug toxicity increased by 19%, suggesting a growing number of severe reactions to drug use.

These figures indicate a shift back towards the high levels of harm seen in earlier years, undoing the modest improvements made following the pandemic.

What are “suspected drug deaths”?

Suspected drug-related deaths refer to cases where a drug overdose is considered the likely cause, but full toxicology and post-mortem results are still pending. These early figures provide a real-time snapshot of trends, helping authorities to respond more swiftly.

The increase in such deaths suggests not only a greater prevalence of drug use, but also rising risks associated with the substances being consumed.

Unregulated drug supply and toxicity risks

One of the most troubling developments identified in the RADAR report is the increasing presence of particularly toxic and unpredictable substances within Scotland’s unregulated drug supply.

The use of multiple substances simultaneously – often referred to as poly-drug use – further amplifies these risks, leading to a higher likelihood of overdose, long-term health damage, or death.

The rise of nitazenes

Among the emerging threats are nitazenes – a group of synthetic opioids significantly more potent than heroin or morphine.

These substances, which were first detected in Scotland in 2022, were implicated in 6% of all drug-related deaths in the first quarter of 2025.

What makes nitazenes particularly dangerous is their high potency and the fact that they are often mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge.

Even a tiny amount can cause respiratory depression and death, especially when taken alongside other central nervous system depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines or methadone.

Why is the drug supply so risky?

The unpredictability of the current street drug market is being driven by several factors:

• Lack of regulation and quality control in illicit drug production
• Introduction of new synthetic substances, often manufactured overseas
• Contaminants and adulterants being mixed with more familiar drugs
• Delayed or insufficient awareness among users and professionals about new trends

As a result, people using drugs – whether occasionally or chronically – face a much higher risk of experiencing an adverse event.

The role of drug checking and testing services

To combat this uncertainty, public health experts have called for the expansion of drug checking services, where users can anonymously submit substances for chemical analysis. These services:

• Help users make informed decisions
• Provide early warning of dangerous trends
• Offer a pathway to further health support and education

Additionally, accredited, reputable drug testing services – such as those provided by AlphaBiolabs – can play a critical role in identifying substance use and supporting early intervention.

Local impacts and regional responses

While drug-related harms have increased nationally, some areas of Scotland have been more severely affected than others.

Urban centres have reported high volumes of overdoses and incident reports, prompting targeted interventions by health authorities and local agencies.

Regional hotspots and incident reporting

Between 5 April and 4 July 2025, Public Health Scotland received 310 incident reports through the RADAR system, with 83% related to overdose events. These reports are essential for detecting harmful trends and responding rapidly to emerging threats.

In March 2025, an alert was issued due to a spike in fatal and non-fatal heroin overdoses in specific regions. This led to urgent public health messaging and increased distribution of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Glasgow’s Thistle drug consumption facility

One of the most significant developments in Scotland’s harm reduction efforts is the opening of The Thistle, the UK’s first officially sanctioned safer drug consumption facility (SCDF), in Glasgow in January 2025.

Also known as “safe injection sites” or “supervised consumption rooms”, the aim of an SCDF is to offer people who use drugs a clean, supervised environment where they can take substances more safely, with medical staff on hand to respond to overdoses and connect users with treatment and support services.

While controversial in some circles, evidence from other countries shows that SCDFs have the potential to save lives and reduce harm, particularly when integrated into a broader system of care.

Early indications suggest that The Thistle has:

• Prevented multiple overdoses on site
• Increased engagement with health services among vulnerable users
• Reduced public injecting and associated littering

Public health messages

Health authorities continue to urge individuals who use drugs to:

• Avoid using drugs alone
• Carry naloxone
• Seek medical help immediately in the event of unusual symptoms
• Be aware of changing risks in the local drug supply

This messaging plays a crucial role in harm reduction, particularly when new substances or contamination trends emerge.

How naloxone, support services and testing are making a difference

While the rise in drug-related harm is deeply concerning, there are proven measures that can significantly reduce risks and save lives.

• Naloxone: emergency overdose reversal: Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It is safe and easy to use, available through pharmacies, health services, and community outreach, and encouraged for use by anyone at risk or those around them. Increased distribution of naloxone and naloxone training have already saved lives across Scotland.
• Accessing help: Free, confidential support is available through NHS services and charities such as We Are With You, Turning Point Scotland and Crew 2000.
• Drug testing: Drug testing can provide vital insights into substance use patterns, and help identify issues early, supporting recovery, safeguarding, and access to care.

Fast, accurate drug testing you can trust

The latest RADAR report highlights a serious rise in drug-related harm across Scotland.

While the figures are concerning, they also underline the importance of early action – through harm reduction, support services, and better awareness of the risks involved.

Drug testing is one of the most effective ways to identify issues early and support informed decisions. Whether you’re a parent, legal professional, social worker or employer, timely testing can provide clarity and help prevent serious harm.

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer fast, confidential drug testing services direct from our UK-based, UKAS 17025 and Lab 51 accredited laboratory.

We test for the widest range of drugs using hair, nail, oral fluid and urine samples.

Free sample collection is also available for legally-instructed tests form our walk-in centres, including our Glasgow walk-in centre (Glasgow Medical Rooms, 211 St Vincent Street) and Edinburgh walk-in centre (93 George Street).

Learn more about our drug testing services here or contact us on 0333 600 1300 / info@alphabiolabs.com.