Drop in heroin and valium abuse

The number of people injecting drugs is said to have fallen

The number of people misusing heroin and valium in Scotland has dropped, according to new figures.

A report by the Centre for Drug Misuse Research at Glasgow University puts the number at 51,582 in 2003 compared to 55,800 three years earlier.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry welcomed the fall, particularly a reduction in the number of addicts who were injecting drugs.

He said treatment services were being expanded to reduce waiting times.

'Complacency' warning

But Mr Henry cautioned: "The fact that around one per cent of Scots are still misusing heroin and valium is a very real concern.

"Progress has been made but we must step up action further.

"Drug-related deaths were down in 2003 but we cannot be complacent.

"We are getting more addicts into treatment but we must increase the numbers and intervene earlier."

Last October, the Scottish Executive announced an extra £6m to be spent on drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said the aim of the 23% rise in funding was to increase the number using the services by 3,000 to 15,600 by 2006/07.