FOUR out of five drug-related deaths in the north-east of Scotland in a three-year period involved misused prescription medication, according to figures.
Drug users in Grampian are now being warned of the dangers of misusing benzodiazepines, or "benzos", such as diazepam.
General Register Office Scotland statistics show benzos were involved in 51 out of 58 drug-related fatalities in the region in 2011.
In 2010, that figure was 33 out of 44 and in 2009 it contributed to 28 out of 38 deaths, making it a factor in 112 of 140 deaths over three years.
Grampian Police want to correct the perception that benzos are not dangerous.
Substances such as diazepam, valium and temazepam can be prescribed for severe anxiety and sleep problems in low doses for short periods.
However, if taken in large doses or mixed with drink or other drugs, they can slow breathing and cause death.
Dr Bruce Davidson, consultant addiction psychiatrist at Royal Cornhill Hospital in the city, said: "Sadly, in Grampian the majority of people who die from an overdose of drugs have taken benzodiazepines, either on their own or with other drugs that can slow breathing, such as alcohol, heroin or methadone.
"Provisional reports for 2012 reveal that there were at least 28 drug-related deaths across Grampian, 23 of which had benzodiazepine present on toxicology sampling.
"Each of these deaths was preventable."
Inspector Colin Mowat, of Grampian Police, said: "Drug users were shocked to find that benzodiazepines are hazardous and keen that an awareness-raising campaign should be undertaken.
"They were actively involved in the development of the campaign materials."
A campaign highlighting the dangers of benzodiazepines will start in the next couple of weeks with advertising and leaflets distributed across the region.