SCOTLAND’S drug and alcohol deaths are among the worst in Europe and addictions staff are at “risk of burnout,” according to a damning new Audit Scotland report.

Last year there were 1,277 alcohol-related deaths in Scotland — the highest in 16 years — while the 1,172 drug-related deaths in 2023 were the highest in Europe, leaving Scots twice as likely to die of drug misuse than anywhere else in Britain.

The performance and finance watchdog found that despite spending to meet the “national mission” to curb drugs deaths rising to £161.1 million, no analysis had taken place on its effectiveness and no transition plan was in place for the mission’s end in 2026.