Naloxone November

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of Naloxone and how it can save lives. Naloxone is a safe, effective intervention which can help reduce the number of fatal overdoses in our communities. By distributing Naloxone kits widely, we can help grow Renfrewshire's community of potential lifesavers. 

Why?

Here in Renfrewshire, too many people lose their lives to drugs - every one a tragedy. Drug deaths impact on a wide range of people and have far reaching implications for families and communities. Opiates - a group of drugs that includes heroin - are involved in the majority of drug deaths, both here in Renfrewshire and Scotland-wide. Drug deaths are preventable.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a safe, emergency medication that can be used by anyone. Naloxone works by temporarily reversing the effects of an opiate overdose. In an overdose state it can be a lifesaver, buying time until an ambulance arrives and treatment can be given.

Who can get Naloxone?

Anyone who is likely to witness an opiate overdose in their family, community, or workplace can access Naloxone. Some brief, basic training on overdose awareness and the use of Naloxone is provided prior to individuals receiving a kit. This will ensure they have all the information they need to identify an overdose and to use Naloxone to save a life. Training and kits are free.

For further information about how you can access Naloxone training and have your own supply contact:

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service by calling 0300 300 1199 selecting option 2 and ask about Naloxone.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs provide a 'Click and Deliver' Naloxone service. You can complete a secure online form and the kit is sent to an address of your choice. Visit: https://www.sfad.org.uk/support-services/take-home-naloxone-application

Overdose death is preventable. Be a lifesaver. Help us prevent drug deaths in Renfrewshire by carrying Naloxone.

Scottish Drugs Forum have created an animation - How Naloxone Reverses an Overdose 

Frequently Asked Questions about the provision of Naloxone.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an emergency medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose of opiates like heroin or methadone.

Who can be supplied with take home Naloxone?

Anyone who can use it "for the purpose of saving life in an emergency", for example:

• a worker
• any individual who uses drugs who is at risk of overdose
• carer, a friend, or a family member of an individual who uses drugs who is at risk of overdose
• any individual working in an environment where there is a risk of overdose for which the naloxone may be useful

Will I need training?

Yes - Naloxone training can take as little as 10 minutes and can be accessed by contacting Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (ADRS).

Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service by calling 0300 300 1199 selecting option 2 and ask about Naloxone.