Scotland has recorded its lowest number of drug-related deaths in eight years. While this is welcome news, the country’s drug death rate remains the highest in Europe, and the crisis continues to deeply affect communities across Ayrshire.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran continues to work with Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, Health and Social Care Partnership Drug Treatment Teams, Police Scotland’s Ayrshire Division, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Emergency Departments at University Hospitals Ayr and Crosshouse, and peer recovery communities. Together, they are committed to reducing harm and saving lives.
Sally Amor, Consultant in Public Health, said: “While it is welcome news that the number of drug-related deaths has fallen in Scotland, we can’t be complacent.
“We need to continue to work closely with our partner organisations to address concerns about drug-related harms, particularly those linked to synthetic opioids known as nitazines.”
Nitazines are highly potent substances which have been found in various street drugs, including heroin, benzodiazepines, and counterfeit opioid painkillers, such as oxycodone. Nitazines have caused sudden and severe overdoses, often requiring multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.
Sally Amor said: “The increase in drug-related harm is driven by a complex mix of factors. Scotland’s street drug supply is unpredictable and frequently contaminated with dangerous substances. Many of the most serious incidents we’re seeing involve people taking several drugs at once, which significantly raises the risk of overdose and other health complications.
“We strongly urge anyone who uses drugs to take extra care. There is no reliable way to know what a substance contains or how it might interact with other drugs. Having someone nearby who can respond in an emergency is an important harm reduction measure. But it’s vital to understand that no method of drug use is completely safe.”
Support is available. Anyone affected or concerned about drug use can find help through NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Alcohol and Drug Services: www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/alcohol-and-drug-services
To report concerns about drug-related harm or supply, contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Sally Amor added: “Our focus is on saving lives and making sure people who use street drugs can access the care, support, and treatment they need. If someone becomes unwell after taking any street drug, we urge them, or those around them, to call 999 straight away. Emergency services are there to help, without judgement or stigma.
“For those facing addiction, there is still hope. Our peer networks, made up of individuals with lived experience, offer help and support on a range of topics – from housing and benefits to advice and advocacy – and are a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.”