INVERCLYDE has higher rate of drug addicts among its younger population than anywhere else in the country, according to bleak new statistics.

A shocking government report paints a grim picture in drug abuse as the area emerges with the highest overall rate in Scotland.

The official figures show that Inverclyde has a greater problem than even the big cities.

In all there are 1,700 people — the majority of them men — living with a drug habit.

The number of addicts per head in the 15 to 24 population is the highest in the country, and only Glasgow has more users in the 35-64 age cohort.

Greenock & Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, who has been outspoken on drug abuse in the past and the impact it has on families, today called for a rethink on drugs policy.

The MSP, who also chair of the parliament’s health committee, said: “Unfortunately it doesn’t look like the Scottish Government’s drug strategy is working.

“It’s clear from this latest survey that drug misuse continues to be a major problem.

“I hope the government is seeking answers as to why this is the case, so it can review and update its strategy, and seek better outcomes for communities here in Inverclyde and across Scotland.” With regards to the prevalence rate among the population as a whole, it stands at 3.2 per cent in Inverclyde compared with 2.8 per cent in Dundee and 2.76 per cent in Glasgow.

Within the different age groups, the prevalence rate among the 15 to 24 age group is 4.09%, the highest in the country, 6.83 per cent for those aged 25 to 35 and 3.82 per cent for the 35 to 64 category, the second highest in the country.

By far the majority of drug users in Inverclyde are men, a total of 1,100, but the district has 600 women addicts, with only Dundee having more per head of population.

The authors of the report made a direct link between high levels of drug abuse, highly populated areas and poverty.

In the report it was highlighted that Inverclyde falls within that category and has a number of communities that are among the most deprived in Scotland. The Scottish Government has highlighted progress made with its drugs strategy and vowed that there will be no let-up in providing support to people who need it.

Community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “While problem drug use among the general adult population and young people has decreased, there is still an older group of people who now also face a range of other health problems placing them at increased risk of overdose and death.

“We are determined to tackle this and support these vulnerable people.”