Harm Reduction Co-ordinator John Glenday said:
“Operations such as this can provide a real opportunity for injecting drug users to think about the problems they experience with drugs and consider seeking help and support. They can also help reduce the risk of relapse for those who are currently in treatment. Service users who are trying to avoid illicit drugs tell us it can be extremely hard to abstain when there are dealers active in their community.”
I would remind heroin injectors that the risk of overdose increases dramatically, even after a short time without opiates and those who are unable to refrain from injecting should take this into account when they inject after a period of abstinence.
- For those who cannot avoid illicit use, to reduce the risk of overdose:
- Smoke heroin rather than injecting
- Try a ‘test’ dose’ first to gauge the strength of the heroin – remember that strength and purity may vary widely.
- Never inject alone, when help that may be life-saving is not available.
- Avoid taking heroin in combination with alcohol and other drugs – especially benzodiazepines, such as diazepam
- Never share needles or any injecting equipment – there are a number of life-threatening infections that can be passed on this way, including Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
If you have any drug related concerns you are urged to contact the following people for advice and information:
John Glenday, Harm Reduction Co-ordinator 01463 704813
Osprey House 01463 716888
Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team 01463 704603
Needle exchange staff can provide anonymous advice. A list of local needle exchanges can be found on the Drug and Alcohol Action Team website at www.hdaat.org.uk
Notes to editors
NHS Highland is not involved in the police operation. For details please contact Northern Constabulary’s press office on 01463 720396/7.
