SCOTLAND’S rainy days and long winter nights may be behind its record drug death rates.
Experts say lack of sun and time outdoors in northern countries is a driver for alcohol abuse and it could be the same for drugs.
3
3
3
We have the highest drug death rate in Europe with 1,172 fatalities last year, followed by northern countries including Ireland, the Scandinavian nations and Balkan nations.
Dr Peter McCann, of the Castle Craig rehab centre, in Peebles- shire, contributed to a study which found a link between problem drinking and climate.
He said: “When we have less exposure to sunlight, with dark winter times and social limitations, you are going to be more at risk of developing opioid dependency if given the opportunity.
“And it’s not just addiction and depression, mental health issues in general improve with access to more sunlight.”
Scotland saw 277 drug deaths for every million people in 2023 — nearly triple the next highest in Ireland, which had 97.
Warmer countries along Europe’s Mediterranean coast had a much lower fatalities rate.
Lee Borthwick, 33, an ex- cocaine addict from Drongan, Ayrshire, credits sea swimming with helping him get clean.
He said: “Being outside and exercising is a big part of recovery.”
