Minister Urges Naloxone Use Amid Rising Opioid Overdose Deaths

Drug and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd has issued an urgent plea for increased access to naloxone, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses. This call to action comes following her visit to an ambulance station in Glasgow, where she was trained on administering the life-saving drug. The Scottish Ambulance Service has distributed over 4,000 naloxone kits to individuals who may need to assist someone experiencing an overdose.

During her visit to Springburn Ambulance Station on August 27, 2023, Todd emphasized the importance of naloxone in light of rising opioid-related fatalities. This event coincided with International Overdose Awareness Day, a day dedicated to remembering those lost to drug overdoses.

According to Public Health Scotland, there has been a concerning increase in overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, with reports of these substances involved in 38 deaths between January and March of 2023. Todd expressed her condolences to families affected by these tragedies, stating, “Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one, on a day where we remember them.”

The minister commended the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service and other organizations, noting their instrumental role in saving lives through initiatives like the national naloxone programme. Since its inception in 2011, Scotland has distributed a total of 205,650 naloxone kits, aimed at empowering individuals to respond effectively in crisis situations.

Todd highlighted the pressing need to adapt to an increasingly unpredictable drug supply, which includes highly dangerous synthetic opioids. She urged those carrying naloxone to have additional kits available, as multiple doses may be necessary in severe cases. “Due to the presence of an increasingly unpredictable drug supply of highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which raise the risk of overdose, hospitalization and death, I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them so repeat doses can be given if required,” she stated.

The Scottish Government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by drug use. Todd confirmed that record levels of funding are being allocated to enhance drug and alcohol programmes, which include expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services, as well as increasing the distribution of naloxone.

In addition to financial support, the Scottish Government has facilitated the establishment of the UK’s first safer drug consumption facility, with plans to implement drug-checking services as well. Todd remarked, “We are determined to do even more to tackle the harm caused by drugs. That’s why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation, and life-saving naloxone.”

The increased awareness and availability of naloxone are critical in combating the surge in opioid overdoses, especially as synthetic opioids become more prevalent in the drug supply. Todd’s advocacy for naloxone use underscores the need for immediate action to protect lives and mitigate the impact of substance use across Scotland.