Tackling drug deaths and stigma

That this House notes with alarm data released by the Office for National Statistics on 3 August 2022 showing that a record 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2021; further notes with alarm figures published by National Records of Scotland on 28 July 2022 revealing that 1,330 people lost their lives to drug misuse in Scotland in 2021, higher than any European country; recognises and reaffirms that people struggling with an alcohol or drug problem should get the same support and treatment as those with any other health condition; acknowledges that stigma stops many people accessing the assistance and resources they require; applauds initiatives such as the Stigma Kills awareness campaign, launched by the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance, and The Reporting of Substance Media Toolkit resource for journalists and editors looking to report on alcohol and drugs with dignity and respect, created by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and Adfam; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of those challenging stigma, removing barriers to treatment and reducing the devastating level of drug deaths across the UK.