There are almost 60,000 drug users in Scotland with routine, prolonged use of opioids or benzodiazepines. Many also suffer from physical and mental health issues, putting them at greater risk of dying from an overdose.

Why: The reasons for Scotland’s drug crisis are varied. Economic policies left areas deeply impoverished. Treatment services were neglected. Drugs became deadlier.

Quotable: “We’re seeing diseases that you would associate with old age in a lot of these middle-aged men with a long history of drug use,” said Dr. Carole Hunter, the lead pharmacist for Glasgow Addiction Services. “What your body tolerates at 18 it doesn’t tolerate at 38 or 48.”