NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health Department is working closely with partner organisations to address growing concerns about the rise in drug deaths and near-fatal overdoses among people using street drugs.
The partner agencies recognise the deep and lasting impact this has on individuals, families, and communities across Ayrshire, and remain committed to a coordinated response that prioritises care, support, and harm reduction.
Synthetic opioids, called nitazines, have been found in various street drugs, including heroin in Scotland. These have caused serious overdoses, hospitalisation and, in some cases, have been linked to drug-related deaths.
In addition to heroin, these highly potent opioids have also been detected in the wider drug market, including benzodiazepines and counterfeit opioid painkillers, such as oxycodone.
Sally Amor, Consultant in Public Health, explains: “The rise in drug-related harms is driven by a range of complex factors. Scotland’s drug supply is constantly changing and is often contaminated with dangerous substances. Many of the harms we’re seeing involve the use of multiple drugs at once, which increases the risks significantly.
“We urge everyone who uses drugs to be extremely cautious. There’s no reliable way to know what substances might be contaminated or how different drugs might interact. Having someone nearby who can help in an emergency is a vital harm reduction step, but it’s important to remember that there is no completely safe way to use these substances.”
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health team is working closely with partners across East, North, and South Ayrshire. This includes 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, we are committed to reducing harm and saving lives.
Sally Amor adds: “Our priority is to protect life and help people who use street drugs access the support and treatment they need. If someone becomes unwell after taking any street drug, we urge them – or those around them – to call 999 immediately. Emergency services are there to help, without judgement.
“We continue to work closely with our partners to monitor the situation. We hope that by having a co-ordinated pan-Ayrshire approach, we will be able to ensure that people can access the harm reduction, treatment, care, and recovery support they need, when they need it.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those who have lost a loved one or are worried about someone at risk. The pain and uncertainty faced by families, friends, and communities is something we take very seriously.”
If you have concerns or information about drug-related harm or supply, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Members of the public can really help with providing information to the police and be assured of complete confidentiality.
Anyone affected or concerned about drug use can find a range of support on our public website: https://www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/alcohol-and-drug-services/
Access to the right care and treatment can be life-changing. It not only reduces the risk of drug-related death, but also supports people on their journey to recovery.