Over 50,000 Scots are dealing with drug misuse issues, 12,222 of whom are ‘new individuals’ according to figures released in the annual Scottish Drug Misuse Database report today.

Heroin remains the most common illicit drug among those seeking treatment for addiction issues, with 68 per cent of those coming into contract with treatment services reporting using it.

The report shows that major gaps still exist in Scotland’s drug treatment services with nearly half of those – 44 per cent - reporting problem cocaine use being resident in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, which does not have a dedicated cocaine treatment centre.

Two thirds of those surveyed said that more than a year had elapsed between the onset of their problem drug use, and them first seeking treatment.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said the figures showed the scale of the challenge facing Scotland with illicit drug misuse:

“These statistics present a stark snapshot of the challenges Scotland faces in endeavouring to tackle the scourge of drugs. Above all they highlight the complexity of the problem and the devastating impact drugs have on our society as a whole. That is why this government is taking a fresh look at how we tackle drug misuse . We want to build on what has worked in the past, and build a new consensus on what could work in the future. We have already demonstrated our willingness to work with other parties in this crucial area and will continue to do so.

“This is one of the greatest problems facing us as a nation - it's a long term problem, we need long term solutions - not to look for quick fixes. We will launch a new drugs strategy next year that will be focussed on using resources more effectively to get addicts drug-free.”

But the Tories launched a savage attack on the figures, saying that it is “time for action” from the SNP.