Pubdate: Tue, 25 May 2004 Source: Edinburgh Evening News (UK) Copyright: 2004 The Scotsman Publications Ltd Contact: http://www.edinburghnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1626 Author: Jane Hamilton CAPITAL IS THE FIRST TO GET OWN DRUGS TSAR EDINBURGH is set to become the first Scots city to get its own drugs and alcohol "tsar". The move is in response to the growing problems of drugs and alcohol in the Capital. Latest figures show a worrying rise in the number of drug-related deaths in Edinburgh. In the first three months of 2004, 11 people died as a result of drug abuse - nearly half the death toll, of 27, for the whole of 2002. The report also shows that 27,000 men and almost 10,000 women in the city have alcohol problems and nearly half of all 15-year-olds drink on a regular basis. The new "tsar" will be tasked with leading the fight against drugs and alcohol misuse by ensuring the various projects across the city work together and share information. The figurehead will also be expected to come up with new ways of tackling the scourge of substance abuse. In a report to the city council, chief executive Tom Aitchison said drugs and alcohol misuse "are deep-rooted problems in society." He said: "They have adverse social and health consequences for individuals and their families and damaging effects on communities. "The link between drug misuse and crime is well documented, while the influence of alcohol in violent crime, both domestic and in public places, has been recognised for many years." He added: "Alcohol has never been more available, accessible or affordable in Edinburgh and current evidence suggests real problems with binge drinking and younger people drinking alcohol more frequently. "The consequences and costs of alcohol misuse and the burden this places on the NHS, social work, housing and law enforcement agencies are immense. Illegal hard drugs remain available throughout the city, despite the best efforts of all agencies." In a study carried out in 2001, 5872 people in Edinburgh admitted to having a drugs problem. Experts believe this year's figure will be even higher. Mr Aitchsison continued: "In relation to alcohol misuse, it is estimated that approximately 27,000 males and 9500 females in the city have alcohol-related problems. One local research study conducted in the city last year suggested that almost 50 per cent of 15-year-olds drank alcohol at least once a month, with half of this number saying that they drank on a weekly basis. The report showed that from April 2002 to April 2003 more than 1300 new users in Edinburgh approached drug agencies for help to overcome their addictions. It said most of the users were under 29 years old and almost half said they injected or shared needles, putting themselves at risk of contracting blood-related diseases such as Aids or hepatitis. Mr Aitchison said: "The vast majority (of users) had no record of sustained employment or stable accommodation. "Nearly a quarter of this population were living with young dependent children." City council leader Donald Anderson said: "This is an important next step towards the appointment of Edinburgh's drugs champion. It is also another example of close working between the council and NHS Lothian. "Not only does the misuse of drugs and alcohol have huge social and health consequences for individuals and their families, but our communities are also suffering. We are determined to be robust and focused in the way that we tackle this huge issue. This new post will play a vital role in this." In 1997, the Government appointed Keith Hellawell as Britain's first nationwide drugs tsar. The former West Yorkshire chief constable moved to a part-time post advising on international aspects of drug policy in October 2001. He quit that job in July 2002 in protest over the reclassification of cannabis. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh