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Former Drug Users Trained to Prevent Opiate Overdoses in Plymouth

apexlifehub.com 2 days ago

A team of former drug users in Plymouth has undergone training to prevent opiate overdoses in the region. Two individuals tragically lost their lives, and ten others required medical attention in north Devon recently after consuming drugs containing nitazenes, a banned synthetic opioid known to be up to 500 times more potent than heroin. Street Intervention with Naloxone: For the first time in Devon, a team equipped with naloxone, a temporary overdose reversal agent, will be hitting the streets to offer assistance. This life-saving initiative is spearheaded by the Plymouth-based drug misuse charity Harbour. Personal Experience: Sean Gray of Harbour expressed his enthusiasm for having individuals with personal histories of substance use involved in the initiative, recognizing the value they bring to the program. He highlighted the prevalence of nitazenes in substances beyond heroin, such as benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Community Support: Graeme, a team member with over 24 years of addiction experience, shared his motivation to help others based on his personal struggles. He acknowledged the initiative's role in boosting his confidence and giving back to the community amid the escalating drug crisis. Concerns and Awareness: Plymouth City Council's public health consultant, Kamal Patel, voiced concerns over the presence of nitazenes in various drugs, underscoring their potency and lethal impact even in small quantities. He emphasized the critical importance of raising awareness about naloxone and ensuring widespread access to training to combat drug-related fatalities effectively. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Devon and Cornwall police are actively supporting the initiative, incorporating naloxone into all marked police vehicles to enhance emergency response capabilities. The collaborative efforts aim to save lives and address the escalating challenges posed by synthetic opioids in the region. This comprehensive approach underscores the significance of community engagement, awareness, and effective intervention strategies to combat the growing threat of opioid overdoses in Plymouth and beyond.

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