Drug use should be seen as primarily a health problem, a senior police officer has claimed, and more would seek help if public attitudes towards them were improved,

Chief Superintendent John McKenzie from Police Scotland's Safer Communities, said stigma was one of the key reasons so few of an estimated 60,000 Scottish drug users seek treatment, and therefore contributes to Scotland's soaring rate of deaths from drug misuse.

Last year drug abuse contributed to the deaths of 934 people, double the number in 2007, and the fourth consecutive year in which the figure has risen.

"We need to work with key partners to address stigma and change the perceptions and attitudes of professionals and public around drug use, drug dependency, people in recovery or those undergoing treatment," Chief Superintendent McKenzie said.

"Stigma can impact on an individual's willingness to seek treatment and engage with support services whilst influencing the way in which we, as a society, address drug related harms."

He was speaking after a Herald investigation into the stark difference between Scotland's drug death rate and those of other European countries. Scotland has at least double the rate of all our near neighbours with around 14 people dying per 100,000. Scotland's death rate is 2.5 times that of the UK as a whole

Chief Superintendent McKenzie said the police force needed to work with others in health and social services to help cut the death rate: "We are committed to protecting people at risk of harm and we recognise the value and importance of working collaboratively to address substance use in Scotland and the continued increase in drug related deaths," he added.

"Whilst enforcement of drug related offences remains a core function for police, it is acknowledged that many substance users in Scotland have complex medical needs and health issues, often from long term and problematic substance use, and therefore require support to address these issues.

"Police officers often engage with people at times of crisis or increased vulnerability and it is during these times that we can support individuals to address the harms they experience from their substance use and promote their engagement with services"

Drug use should be seen primarily as a health issue, he said: ""By working with partners including NHS, Education, Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Drug charities, to raise awareness of the negative impacts of stigmatising attitudes, we aim to create an inclusive environment that recognises drug use as primarily a health issue as identified by Scottish Government."

However the police remain committed to tackling drug dealing, and in particular the burgeoning online market in illicit substances, he said.

"The availability of the internet and social media has increased opportunities for individuals to engage in all forms of criminality, including Drugs supply."

We work tirelessly to tackle cyber enabled criminality whilst also raising awareness regarding the added dangers of purchasing illicit substances online."

While calling for a less judgemental attitude towards drug users themselves, Chief Superintendent McKenzie said communities could help by identifying those they suspected of involvement in the sale or supply of drugs.

"We collaborate with law enforcement partners around the UK and internationally, actively targeting those individuals involved in Serious and Organised Crime, including the manufacturing, importation, sale and distribution of controlled or illicit drugs that are destined for Scottish streets.

"Tackling Serious and Organised Crime remains a priority and we remain committed to keeping our communities safe," he said.