Know about drugs – Creating a healthier mind and body

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership (OHADP) recognises that it has been a tough 16 months for everyone getting through the Covid-19 Pandemic.  People may have felt worried or stressed through these unprecedented times, especially not being able see friends, families and work colleagues.  These stressors may have affected changes in behaviour and for those choosing to use drugs, they may have been tempted to use more than usual.  With an interruption to route of supply changing, such as purchasing online there is a risk that these drugs could affect you badly.

The effects of drugs vary from substance to substance, and it is not possible to say exactly how a particular drug will affect someone. It is therefore important to look after your health and wellbeing. 

The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland increased by 5%, from 1,280 in 2019 to 1,339 in 2020, representing the highest number since records began. From those drugs related deaths in 2020, 73% were male and 27% were female, 34% of cocaine deaths were recorded and benzodiazepines were implicated in 73% of drug deaths.  

Regular use of cocaine is associated with adverse health effects, in particular, cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric conditions. These include substance dependence, non-fatal harms, soft tissue infections such as ulceration of the nasal passage through snorting powder cocaine, blood borne viruses from injecting drug use and sexually transmitted infections including Hepatitis C and HIV.   Withdrawal symptoms from drugs can include sickness, diarrhoea, headaches, pains and hallucinations and seizures. The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the type and amount of drug used but most symptoms ease with time. 

Taking alcohol or stimulants, such as cocaine or ecstasy and spending long periods outdoors with limited access to fluids puts people at risk of overheating and dehydrating.   So it is important that individuals stay hydrated when out in the sun. 

Taking any tablets where you don’t know what the contents are, alongside prescribed medicines is a very high risk activity and you should therefore not use drugs when you are alone.  In the event of an overdose, Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids, such as heroin and codeine. If you or someone you know uses opioids and could be at risk of an overdose you can request a Naloxone Take Home Kit through the Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) postal service at  https://www.sfad.org.uk/support-services/take-home-naloxone.

For those who inject drugs, free, new equipment (kit or works) from a needle exchange service is available at KJ Macdonald, Chemist, Cromwell Street, Stornoway.   Using new, sterile injecting equipment helps keep you safe from infections, wounds and abscesses and protects from viruses like HIV, hep B and hep C.

Certain medications can affect your ability to drive.   A driving law was introduced in Scotland in October 2019 where it is now an offence to drive while your ability is impaired by drugs whether it is an illegal or legal prescribed drug, if you have not followed appropriate guidance. 

If you are concerned about someone's alcohol or drug use speak to your GP, other health professional or one of the alcohol agencies locally. 

Tobacco contains nicotine which is an addictive drug but also contains other chemicals that can cause lung cancer, heart disease and circulation problems.   You can seek help from our local service at Quit Your Way Hebrides https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/quit-your-way-hebrides/  Tel. (01851) 701623 or email: wi.hebridesquityourway@nhs.scot    

If you would like further information, advice and support on local alcohol and drug treatment services available check our online Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership Recovery Support Services Directory at  https://www.outerhebadp.com/services/our-services/ or contact the ADP Support Team on 01851 762022. 

 You could also contact Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD) – 0808 010 1011 on their free and confidential helpline. Available 9am-11pm Monday to Friday and as a call-back service on weekends.

Wearewithyou offers a national free confidential online support if you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking or drug use, or your mental health. https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/

www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/healthy-living/coronavirus-covid-19-drug-use

https://knowthescore.info/using-drugs/ provides information on drugs and the law and the different types of drugs available.

NHS Western Isles has a dedicated Coronavirus website that contains helpful sections including advice on healthy living.  You will also find details of the Western Isles Psychological Hub under the ‘Mind Matters’ section that is accessible for anyone in Western Isles who may be feeling psychologically distressed and in need of additional support. You can self refer by accessing the site at https://www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot

Most importantly, to keep yourself and your family safe, always remember to follow the current advice and guidance.  If at any time you develop symptoms of Covid 19, even if you have had the vaccine, it is important that you follow the current advice to stay at home and book a test.  Contact the Covid Response Centre on 01851 601151 to arrange a test.