The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership are using International Overdose Awareness Day to encourage people to download a free app aimed at preventing overdose across the north of Scotland.
The partnership’s Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) app contains information on how to recognise an overdose, and what to do in an overdose situation.
Today (Wednesday 31 August 2026) marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.
Eve MacLeod, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) Co-ordinator, said: “International Overdose Day helps to remember those who have sadly died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. It is also an opportunity to remind us that overdose is preventable.
“It is important for everyone to be overdose aware; we can all make a contribution and help prevent drug deaths. Recognising an overdose can be difficult, and the HOPE app contains support and guidance on how to recognise if someone is having and overdose and what to do in such a situation.
“If you aren’t sure if someone is having an overdose, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose – you could save a life. Call 999 immediately, and use Naloxone if it is available. Never leave anyone alone if you suspect they are having an overdose."
Signs of an overdose include:
small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
falling asleep or loss of consciousness
slow, weak or no breathing
snoring, choking or gurgling sounds
limp body
cold and/or clammy skin
discoloured skin (especially in lips and nails)
Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse an overdose from opioid drugs like heroin, nitazenes and buprenorphine. It is easy to use, and details of how to get Naloxone are in the HOPE app.
September is National Recovery Month which aims to raise awareness and hope of recovery. Highland Alcohol and Drug Advice and Support Service (HADASS) have organised for Ness Bridge to be lit up in purple, the colour of Recovery Month.
Eve continued: “Preventing overdose and reducing drug related deaths is a priority and there are a range of initiatives currently underway in Highland.
"These include a local early warning system involving a wide range of partners; a naloxone programme that aims to increase distribution and include peer distribution; an overdose alert system and outreach service; Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards; targeting those at higher risk through multi-agency prevention and review groups, and overdose awareness routinely offered to those accessing NHS Highland Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services and other support services, including WithYou anywhere Highland.
"Nevertheless, we recognise more needs to be done and we will be working closely at both a local and national level to do everything possible to prevent overdose and reduce drug deaths in Highland.
“More plans are underway to mark Recovery Month, guided by insight from people who are experts by experience.”