Addiction problems cost Scots dear

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by Change | 26 Mar 2009

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Drink and drug abuse is costing the Scottish economy vast sums of money every year, according to a new report.

People with drink and drug addictions in Scotland are costing the country's economy nearly £5 billion per year, it has been claimed.

According to research from Audit Scotland, the number of people who abuse drink and drugs in Scotland is soaring and many are in need of addiction treatment.

rehab clinics in Scotland are working to tackle the problem, but there are so many people with addictions that the issue is having a profound effect on the economy.

Audit Scotland said almost 1,400 people died last year as a result of alcohol abuse, while 455 people lost their lives to drug addictions.

"Drug and alcohol-related death rates are among the highest in Europe and have doubled in 15 years," the report warned.

People who have drug problems can get addiction treatment from rehab clinics, but need to face up to their problem first.

Scotland has been seeking to take action on the number of people with alcohol addictions by introducing proposals to increase the price of alcoholic drinks.

Under the scheme, the price of drinks would be related to their strength, making it harder for people to access strong alcohol cheaply.

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