Drug-Death Campaign Launched

A pre-Christmas information campaign to prevent drug-related deaths among users during the high-risk festive holiday period in Glasgow is to be launched in conjunction with Scottish Drugs Forum. The aim is to raise awareness among drug users of the heightened risks of overdose and death over the holiday period when many services are closed and users may be feeling more vulnerable.

The NHS Greater Glasgow area – which includes Glasgow City’s 10,000-12,000 problem drug users, the highest of any local authority area in Scotland – had 80 drug deaths in 2005, the lowest number since 1997, and work continues to reduce the number of drug related fatalities.

The campaign – which will cost £8000 and is being funded by Glasgow Addiction Services Partnership – will focus on preventing deaths through a package of information measures which be launched today. Today’s event will:

Feature the launch of a new pocket-size leaflet to help users, carers and workers spot the signs of overdose and give them tips on how to help when overdoses occur
Encourage frontline staff to highlight the seasonal risks and preventative measures to drug users and their families
Stage demonstrations of emergency first-aid techniques to service users and representatives of statutory and voluntary drug services

Graham Mackintosh, Scottish Drugs Forum’s Critical Incidents Training Officer, said: “It’s well recognised in the drugs sector that the festive holiday period brings a higher risk of death through overdose among problem drug users. Many services will have restricted opening hours and users will find themselves temporarily cut off from sources of treatment and support at what can be, for many people and not just drug users, a particularly difficult time.”

Neil Hunter, Joint General Manager of the Glasgow Addiction Services Partnership, said: “Glasgow has a long-established plan of action to reduce drug deaths and this initiative will help focus attention on an important issue over the festive period. Scottish Drugs Forum has to be applauded for its innovative approach to passing on critical information and we are extremely pleased with its work.”