In 2022/23:

• There were 9,663 drug-related hospital stays. The European Age-sex Standardised Rate (EASR) of drug-related hospital stays was 182 stays per 100,000 population. This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 283 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
• The highest substance-specific stay rate (81 per 100,000 population) was for opioids (drugs similar to heroin). This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 141 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
• The highest patient rate (337 per 100,000 population) was observed among people aged 35-44 years. This rate decreased for a third consecutive year, from a peak of 515 per 100,000 population in 2019/20.
• Just under half (48%) of the patients with a drug-related hospital stay lived in the most deprived areas in Scotland.
• The rate of stays for drug poisoning/overdose decreased to 21 stays per 100,000 population. This was the second consecutive decrease in overdose stay rates, and the lowest recorded rate since 2006/07.