By CAROLINE WILSON

ALCOHOL related deaths in Glasgow have fallen to their lowest level in almost 20 years, figures show.

The city's annual progress report suggests inroads are being made in the battle against the most serious cases of alcohol abuse.

The latest figures show the rate of alcohol-related mortality has decreased by more than 5% across the city of Glasgow. There were 37 deaths per 100,000 population in 2013 compared with 39 the previous year - the lowest rate since the figures were first complied in 1997.

The figures also record a 14.6% drop in the rate of drug related deaths in Glasgow.

However, the number of people admitted to hospital for drug and alcohol related illness rose slightly.

The figures are contained in the annual report of the Glasgow City Alcohol and Drug Partnership and also show that an extra 5% of Naloxone kits were distributed to heroin addicts last year.

The drug is used to counteract the effects of an overdose. The report states that 5,933 were injecting heroin last year in Glasgow.

A total of 7,111 people were recorded as receiving Opiod replacement therapies including Methadone last year.

The partnership is made up NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Police Scotland, Sottish Fire and Rescue, Community Safety Glasgow and voluntary groups.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “It is a positive sign that there has been a decline in alcohol-related deaths in the city in recent years.

“Tackling the impact of alcohol misuse in Glasgow is an issue that we are fully focused upon and we are pleased that progress is being made.

“Alcohol does continue to exert a disproportionate effect on the city’s population.

“But we are working with partners to deliver a long term strategy that brings together an extensive range of support services and this will build upon the good work that’s already underway.”

An NHSGGC spokeswoman said: "These figures are to be welcomed and indicate that the work we are doing with our partners agencies is making a difference to lives.

"Addressing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and drugs is a major priority for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and while alcohol and drugs continues to have a devastating effect on the lives of Glasgow’s population our aim is to see further progress made over the coming years."