The number of suspected drug deaths is down in the latest quarterly data, while hospital admissions are broadly stable.
An update from Public Health Scotland (PHS) said from September to November last year, there were 267 suspected drug deaths – down 19% from the previous quarter.
Drug-related acute hospital admissions between July and October saw a 2% decrease but were considered stable compared to the previous quarter.
The latest quarter’s data also shows there was a 17% decrease in administrations of overdose treatment Naloxone by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The data is contained in the latest quarterly Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (Radar) report from PHS.
The Scottish Conservatives said that compared to the same period in 2022, hospital admissions had increased.
Tory deputy health spokeswoman Tess White said: “These deeply concerning figures underline once again the scale of Scotland’s drug epidemic which has spiralled out of control on the SNP’s watch.
“On top of the shocking tally of suspected drugs deaths, the rise in the number of hospital admissions and A&E attendances related to drugs indicates the complacent nationalists are no closer to solving this national emergency.
“SNP ministers – having shamefully taken their eye off the ball – now seem to be relying on consumption rooms as the silver bullet, when they ought to be focused on improving access to treatment and rehab programmes for those with addiction problems.”
Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie said “This heartbreaking report shows far too many lives are still being destroyed by drugs.
“More must be done to not only stop these tragic deaths, but to help people recover.
“The SNP must deliver more than warm words and sticking plasters if it is going to tackle this crisis and save lives.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our condolences go to all those who have lost a loved one.
“Through our £250 million National Mission on drugs, we’re focused on supporting those affected by problem substance use, implementing evidence-based approaches to improve and save lives.
“We’re taking a wide range of measures including moving towards a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot. National Mission funds have now backed more than 300 grassroots projects.
“As the threat grows from the unexpected presence in the drug supply of bromazolam, xylazine and highly potent synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which bring increased risks of overdose and death, we have also developed our surveillance abilities.
“Radar reports and other measures play a vital part in providing an early warning.
“Due to an increasingly unpredictable and toxic drug supply, we would urge people to follow the guidance issued by the Scottish Drugs Forum and partners to protect themselves and others.
“This includes carrying extra naloxone to reverse an overdose due to the increased strength of synthetics.”