A report from the Scottish Executive also said that new HIV cases among injecting drug users are at their lowest since the mid-1980s.

However, cocaine use is increasing, according to the executive's annual report on its strategy for tackling drug misuse.

The report shows few significant changes in drug misuse over the past year, but there are some encouraging trends.

Trends highlighted in the report

Little change in drug misuse among 12-15 year olds Steady rise in drug misuse in the over 30s Heroin misuse fell among under 20s Ecstasy use remains "relatively static" Use of cocaine and crack cocaine "relatively low" Use of amphetamines down "very significantly" The number of injecting drug users remains steady 332 drug-related deaths in 2001 Seizures of hard drugs increased by 173%

The street price of heroin continues to be relatively low, but despite that fewer under 20s are reporting problematic drug use.

There is also a slight fall in the number of injecting users.

However, heroin misuse among the over 30s is continuing to rise steadily and there were more than 330 drug deaths in 2001.

And while amphetamine misuse has fallen sharply, there has been little change in ecstasy misuse.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said waiting times for drug treatment in some areas remain "unacceptably long".

"Solid progress"

There is concern also at the growth - from 2% to 7% - of users saying cocaine is their primary drug.

Numbers remain low, but the first project in Scotland specifically aimed at tackling cocaine addiction will open in Aberdeen in April.

The report also highlights seizures of drugs in the past year which have risen 173%.

Mr Henry said the report showed "solid progress" in delivering the drugs strategy, with some positive trends.

He said the executive was spending record sums in combating the problem and there were some "encouraging signs" in the report.

But the minister admitted that the number of people who lose their lives due to drug misuse remains tragically high.