Over 700 people have downloaded an app to help reduce drug-related harm in Highland since it was launched two years ago.
The Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) app was created with input from people with lived experience and a range of experts from NHS Highland and beyond.
Eve MacLeod, NHS Highland’s Senior Health Improvement Specialist, said: “The HOPE app is a source of information for people who use drugs and or alcohol problematically, as well as their families or friends. It helps prevent overdose and encourages engagement with services that can help.
“It contains information on what to do in an emergency overdose situation for both depressant and stimulant drugs. Harm reduction information and details on how to contact a range of support services are also available on the app. We’ve recently added updates, including information on cocaine and alcohol use, and image and performance enhancing drugs.”
The app provides useful information on signs that someone may be having an overdose. It is hoped that raising awareness of these signs and symptoms, such as snoring, can help prevent drug-related deaths in the future.
Eve continued: “We know that most overdoses are accidental, and most happen because of a combination of depressant drugs have been used (for example alcohol, benzodiazepines, heroin).
“There are certain things that show us someone may be having a depressant drug-related overdose. One of these is if the person is snoring. Don’t ignore someone that is snoring and gurgling if they have taken depressant drugs. This could be a sign of a significant and life threatening emergency.
“Don’t leave people to sleep it off, check on them and if they don’t wake, dial 999 for an ambulance and administer naloxone if you have it. There’s more advice and detail in the app.”
Deborah Stewart, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Co-ordinator, said: “The HOPE app will compliment and strengthen local action to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for people who use drugs and help to reduce the risk of harm and death.
“Scotland faces unique challenges from a number of factors, such as high-risk patterns of drug use; a high-risk cohort of vulnerable people; stigma as a barrier to treatment and underlying problems such as poverty and inequality.
“The HADP urges all our partners and members of the public to continue to use the app and become overdose aware. We all have a role to play in reducing drug deaths.”
The HOPE app is free to download, and is available for Android devices and for Apple devices.