West Lothian mirrored the national trends with a substantial rise in drug related deaths in 2025.
Nationally the death toll rose by 11% last year to 1,133.
Recently published National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures show that 39 people in West Lothian lost their lives as a direct result of drug use in 2025.
That was up from 22 the year before.
West Lothian had seen a reduction in drug-related deaths in recent years, with 22 deaths recorded in 2024, compared with 31 in 2023 and 32 in each of 2022, 2021 and 2020.
West Lothian’s Health and Social Care Partnership, which oversees addiction services told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the increase is “deeply concerning”.
The factors contributing to it are complex and continue to be assessed.
Local intelligence suggests that emerging changes in the illicit drug market, including concerns around increasingly potent and unpredictable substances such as nitazenes, may be contributing to heightened risks.
A spokesperson for the service told the LDRS: “These challenges can be compounded by wider issues including poverty, poor health, trauma, social exclusion, and barriers to accessing support.
“Although West Lothian continues to experience fewer drug-related deaths than the Scottish average, we remain fully committed to working with our partners, communities and those affected by substance use to reduce these numbers further through evidence-based prevention, harm reduction and recovery-focused support.
“Every life matters, and recovery is possible. Our focus remains on ensuring people can access timely, compassionate and effective support and harm reduction interventions to help prevent future loss of life.”
Alison White, Director of the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Every drug death represents an avoidable tragedy, and I would like to convey our sincere sympathy to all the families and friends affected.
“While the circumstances of every death are different, we know that a combination of effective harm reduction measures, early intervention, treatment, recovery support and access to mental health services can help reduce the risk of future harm.
“We are particularly mindful of the changing nature of the drug market and the increased risks associated with highly potent substances.
“I would encourage anyone struggling with alcohol or drugs, and their families, to make use of the help and support available locally. Recovery is possible, and support is available.”
West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and its partners work to tackle the issues of drug and alcohol use, along with the wider inequalities that can contribute to them.
To get help, please visit: https://westlothianhscp.org.uk/article/29287/Drugs-and-or-Alcohol-How-to-get-HELP
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
