Drug and alcohol support services are urging people across Ayrshire not to struggle alone
New figures revealed a sharp rise in drug-related deaths.
Figures from the National Records of Scotland show that 75 people died from drug-related causes across East and South Ayrshire during 2025, with both areas recording increases compared with the previous year.
East Ayrshire saw the largest rise, with 48 drug-related deaths recorded in 2025, compared with 21 in 2024, an increase of 128.6%.
In South Ayrshire, 27 people died from drug-related causes, up from 20 the previous year, representing an increase of 35%.
The figures come against a wider national increase, with drug-related deaths across Scotland rising by around 11% following a fall in 2024.
Support charity WithYou is now encouraging anyone experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol to reach out for help, stressing that confidential support is available without judgement.
Chris Bermingham, service manager at WithYou in East Ayrshire, said the figures represented a devastating loss for families and communities.
“Every one of these deaths is a preventable tragedy, and my thoughts are with everyone in East Ayrshire who has lost someone to drugs,” she said.
“Every one of these deaths is someone who was loved, and whose family will carry this for the rest of their lives.”
She also warned that the illicit drug supply is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with people potentially consuming substances they did not intend to take.
“We’re increasingly seeing drugs contaminated with substances people never intended to take, some many times stronger than heroin,” she said.
“Often people simply don’t know what’s in what they’ve bought. That makes it more important than ever that people don’t face this alone.”
Roberta McClung, service manager at WithYou in South Ayrshire, echoed those concerns.
“Every one of these deaths is a preventable tragedy, and my thoughts are with everyone in South Ayrshire who has lost someone to drugs,” she said.
“Every one of these deaths is someone who was loved, and whose family will carry this for the rest of their lives.”
She added that uncertainty surrounding the substances circulating within communities was increasing the risks faced by people who use drugs.
“We’re increasingly seeing drugs contaminated with substances people never intended to take, some many times stronger than heroin.
“Often people simply don’t know what’s in what they’ve bought. That makes it more important than ever that people don’t face this alone.”
Louise Stewart, director for Scotland at WithYou, said the national increase demonstrated how fragile recent progress remains.
“After last year’s fall, today’s figures are a stark warning that we can’t take progress for granted,” she said.
“We need faster action on the things we know work, naloxone in as many hands as possible, drug checking that’s quick and easy to reach, and support that fits rural communities as well as our cities.
“Nobody’s postcode should decide whether they get help in time.”
WithYou provides free and confidential support to adults experiencing problems involving drugs and alcohol, including services in both East and South Ayrshire.
The charity supports more than 16,000 people across Scotland each year, along with families and friends, through services including recovery support, harm reduction and naloxone training and distribution.
People who may not feel ready to attend a service in person can also access WithYou’s free and confidential online webchat, where they can speak to an expert recovery worker.
Anyone worried about their own drug or alcohol use, or concerned about someone close to them, is being encouraged to seek support rather than face the situation alone.
Further information and online support are available through WithYou’s Scotland service.