NHS Grampian shares “rallying call” on Naloxone awareness

Published: 09/07/2026 09:51

NHS Grampian, in partnership with Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) as part of Aberdeen’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership, is calling for greater awareness of drug harms reduction following a cluster of suspected drugs deaths in the city.

NHS Grampian public health consultant Phil Mackie, who has a lead role in the prevention of drug harms across Grampian, explained: “Every life is worth saving. One of the simplest steps we can all take is to know what Naloxone is and where to find it. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is available as a nasal spray or an injectable. It’s free and is available for anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s welfare from local pharmacies as well as ADA. You can also order it online using the Aberdeen Protects app.  

Phil Mackie
Phil Mackie

“The Aberdeen Protects app also offers tonnes of helpful advice about what to do in the event of overdose. Naloxone will not cause the person any harm even if opioids have not been used.

"Please also always, always dial 999 and call for an ambulance if you witness an overdose. Slipping back into overdose is possible even if Naloxone has brought the person round and calling will help to make sure they get the best follow up support they need.  

“Recent suspected drug deaths in Aberdeen in April, May and June will have a lasting impact on family and friends, as well as the wider community impacted by these tragedies. We’re working with partner organisations to do absolutely everything we can to take action and raise awareness of the current dangers directly with people who use substances, as well as appealing to the wider community.”

Fraser Hoggan, Chief Executive Officer at Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) which is commissioned to provide support to people by Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, commented: “Drugs available in Scotland are changing and harms are increasing. What may have been used safely in the past could kill someone today – the strength, contamination and the actual content of street drugs are changing all the time.  

Fraser Hoggan
Fraser Hoggan

“We’re regularly seeing highly dangerous contamination in opiates, benzos, cocaine, crack-cocaine and ketamine. It’s very important people do not assume their usual dealer or amount is safe. 
 
“There are a few things people who take drugs can do to help protect themselves, which is worth the wider community being aware of too. Firstly, do not use alone, start with a smaller amount and avoid using multiple substances or excess use. This message is about raising awareness of Naloxone and calling for an ambulance in the event of overdose – these actions are key and this message is a rallying call to ask everyone to play their part. We can help anyone with support to test their drugs, and we can also offer confidential, non-judgemental support to family and friends. Please, get in touch by calling 01224 594700 or Freephone 0333 3 448355, or email helpline@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk”  

Phil added: "We are aware of the evolving nature of drug harms being seen across Scotland. These include harms due to potent synthetic opioids, medetomidine and new benzodiazepines, sometimes detected in substances sold as heroin or other drugs. We are aware of incidences recently of substances being different to what was expected. Some synthetic opioids are hundreds of times more potent than heroin and mixing these substances can be fatal. Please remember – there is no safe way to take street drugs.”  
 
ADA offer drop-ins for support including access to injecting equipment at:

Visit www.alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk to find out more about all the ways ADA can help. A wealth of information on substances and how to get support is available via NHS Inform, at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/drugs-and-drug-use as well as the Aberdeen Protects app.  

Apple: Aberdeen Protects - Apps on Apple

Android: Aberdeen Protects - Apps on Google Play

To help services gather local information about the presence of contaminated substances, please, if you or someone you know has been affected, get in touch by emailing gram.substancemisusealert@nhs.scot

Naloxone nasal spray and injectable options
Naloxone nasal spray and injectable options