‘Perceptions of Naloxone and overdose amongst Service Users attending
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perceptions of Naloxone and overdose amongst Service Users attending Injecting Equipment Providers (IEPs) and Addiction Services in Renfrewshire, Scotland
IRAS ID
172360
Contact name
Rowan Anderson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Scottish Government has supported the roll out of the National Naloxone Programme since 1st November 2010. A response to drug related death trends, the programme aims to distribute Naloxone kits and overdose prevention training to those at risk of opiate overdose. National Records of Scotland reported 581 drug related deaths in 2012, down 0.5% from 2011, when 584 drug related deaths were recorded (NRS, 2013). Despite this decrease, the 2012 figures remain the second highest number ever recorded. NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has a target to distribute Naloxone to 20% of problem drug users. The continuing trends in drug related deaths in Scotland show that opiates are the most commonly implicated drug in fatal overdose deaths in Scotland. Since the National Naloxone Programme was introduced in 2010, there has been no significant reduction in fatal opiate overdoses in Scotland, despite Naloxone being available to opiate users accessing treatment across Scotland.
This research study aims to investigate opiate users perceptions of Naloxone. The research will investigate the experience of overdose amongst a cohort of drug users and whether the perceptions and views held by drug users about Naloxone influence its use and acceptability within the drug using community. This research will afford an opportunity to investigate if there are any practical reasons or barriers that prevent Naloxone use during overdose events
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
15/WS/0078
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion