On the streets of Scotland’s suicide and drug deaths crisis

Scottish men are self-destructing. We went to Scotland to find out why. The leading causes of death among 15–44 year-old men in the country are drug-related deaths and suicide. Scotland is now the drug death capital of Europe. Since the 1980s, deaths from heart disease, cancer and stroke have fallen dramatically, while those from alcohol, suicide and, particularly, drugs have risen to record-breaking levels. In 2020, there were 1,339 drug deaths in Scotland - an all-time high, while alcohol deaths were up by 17% to 1,190 - their highest for a decade. These are deaths of despair, of self-destructive behaviours. Gender plays a role, with men more likely to succumb than women. So too does inequality, there are more of these deaths in deprived areas. Behind the grim statistics there’s horror. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this film contact Samaritans: 116132 | Follow our brand new Instagram: