Andy is in his 40s and first started drugs when he was 15. He has had multiple overdoses and talks about the ease of accessing drugs and the difficulties with getting in to rehab.
Drug deaths in Scotland rose by 11% to 1,133 in 2025, with the rate of deaths remaining the worst in Europe, according to new figures.
The latest figures from the National Records of Scotland show the number of deaths increased by 116 compared with 2024.
It means more than 11,000 people have died from drug use in Scotland over the past decade.
Speaking for the Scottish Government, Maree Todd said, "We have taken important steps forward, including funding more than 1,100 residential rehabilitation placements last year and widening access to treatment and life-saving naloxone. However, despite these policy interventions, and the actions of our valued frontline workers, it is clear we need to do much more to reduce this tragic loss of life."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this report, please find support at ITV.com/helplines.
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