HE number of approved residential rehab places in Scotland has increased to more than 900 in the most recent year, new figures show.

According to statistics released by Public Health Scotland on Tuesday, placements increased from 540 in 2021-22, then 812 in 2022-23 and 938 in 2023-24 -a jump of almost 75%.

A Scottish Government target aims to ensure 1000 people go through residential rehab each year by 2026.

The report did not include data on how many of those given funded places completed treatment.

The figures come after a recent increase in suspected drug deaths, with Police Scotland reporting an 8% increase to 320 in the first three months of the year compared to the previous quarter.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters