Stay safe, make smart choices, and enjoy the summer

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership have launched their summer safety campaign. As part of this campaign, they are providing information on substance use to help individuals make informed decisions to ensure everyone stays safe.

In 2023, there were 1,172 drug misuse deaths registered in Scotland with males twice as likely to have a drug death. Illegal drugs now regularly contain substances which are not what you perceive them to be.  

More recently, nitazines, which are synthetic opioids have been detected in drug supplies across Scotland in both benzodiazepines and heroin. Drugs containing nitazine can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and pose a substantial risk of overdose. Side effects include a slower heart rate, constricted pupils, itching and nausea.

If you plan on using drugs, set boundaries for yourself and be cautious of the source. Only try a small amount and wait at least an hour before considering taking any more. Never choose to use alone in case you fall unconscious.

Always protect yourself on a night out. If you feel you may have been ‘spiked’ tell the venue manager and make sure a someone stays with you and seek medical attention, should you become unwell. Consider contacting the police on 101 so they can help stop this happening to anyone else. If someone falls unconscious it is vital that you put them in the recovery position.

Avoid mixing cocaine and alcohol as this can lead to cocaethylene, where the body tries to breakdown the two substances at the same time. Signs of a cocaine overdose includes paranoia, high temperature, nausea, chest pain, seizures. Longer term use of cocaine can lead to damage to the heart, impotence, difficulties managing mental health and dependency. Repeated snorting of cocaine can damage the nasal structure of the nose and perforations in the cartilage between the nostrils. Never share drug equipment with others.  

Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids, such as heroin, codeine and nitazines. 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.  

There are several sites you can access to find out more information on drugs and their effects. NHS Inform contains interactive tools as well as contact details of support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) – Support for people affected by drugs | NHS inform

Crew 2000 – Mind altering  and Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com)

If you feel you may have a problem with drugs, substances or even prescribed medication please talk to your GP. You can also find information of other alcohol and drug services available in Outer Hebrides on our website – www.outerhebadp.com