Time to read
The Government has now published the 2017 Drug Strategyi. We express great concern at the lack of focus on harm reduction – an evidence-based response that protects people and ultimately saves lives – at a time when drug-related deaths are the highest on record.
People who use drugs are often vulnerable and marginalised. This new Drug Strategy simply does not begin to support them and reduce drug-related deaths. We call on the Government to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to tackle opiate related deaths, these include: optimal OST prescribing; easier access to naloxone; a national HAT programme; and that drug consumption rooms are implemented where there is needviii. The Government must also ensure a minimum level of care by requiring local authorities to provide drug treatment and harm reduction services by law.
Signatories
Professor David Nutt, Drug Science Niamh Eastwood, Release
Deborah Gold, National AIDS Trust John Jolly, Blenheim CDP
Fionnuala Murphy, Harm Reduction International Kate Halliday, SMMGP
Jamie Bridge, International Drug Policy Consortium Chris Ford, IDHDP