Tackling drug harm: “Things have got to change, even people’s thoughts on it...”

Published: 24/09/2026 11:05

As local communities and services grapple with the impact of a changing supply of street drugs, one man is sharing his personal experience of living with addiction in a bid to help others. 
 
Andy, who is originally from Fife but relocated to Aberdeen when a six-month placement became available at Ray House for treatment, is now working towards becoming a counsellor and support worker himself. He reminds us there is hope for others even if their struggle has been long-term.  
 
“Things have got to change, even people's thoughts on it, because everybody deserves life. I spent 35 years living with addiction and I want others to know, and their families and friends to know, recovery is possible. 
 
“I really want to help people and I know so many people I could help if I get the right training,” Andy explained.  
 
Having lost two people he was close to, to overdose, and supporting 17 others through overdoses, including administering Naloxone several times, Andy really understands the personal toll of drug-related harm and death. He’s keen to spread the message that carrying Naloxone is like wearing a seatbelt – why wouldn’t you do it?  
 
He said: “When you're in that situation you panic. Your head comes up with different scenarios and you worry about other conditions they have and what Naloxone might do. But it’s important folk know just to call 999 and use the Naloxone – it won’t do any harm even if you’re not sure they’ve used heroin. Often there’s a mix of drink, valium, heroin and unknowns, and you might not be sure whether to use it, but what we’re trying to get across is – definitely use it. 
 
“Acceptance is important to people so if you don’t feel comfortable carrying the injectable form of Naloxone, then please know there is a nasal spray version as well. They are both widely available. 
 
“People in the ‘90s were frightened the police would come, and the law has changed but people are still scared. That's understandable; it’s understandable if you feel angry at someone for putting you in that position but please do call for help. You won’t get into trouble and the person you’re helping will get the help they need.”  
 
Andy considers himself lucky he got the support he needed.  
 
He commented: “I got a week’s placement at Glenhaven down in Fife but the person who took me took me there worked in the third sector and recognised a week wouldn’t be long enough. He knew the manager at Ray House and I’m really lucky he got me the six-month placement to go to the day I got out of Glenhaven. After being in Ray House I accepted a further six months of support living in supported accommodation and they help you resettle, find a house and everything after that. I just love it up here.” 
 
Andy is now attending college and working towards his future. Having spent a recent holiday with Phoenix Futures sailing down the West Coast of Scotland, he added: “I’m just glad if I can help one other person, one other family to find their life again.” 
 
Drug and alcohol support worker, Sukhi, who is part of the Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA) team in Aberdeen, has been supporting Andy during the last few months. She said: “Andy has come such a long way and we’re all really grateful he is sharing his story to help others. We’re here, seven days a week, if you or someone you know needs help, whether you are using drugs or alcohol personally or you’re supporting someone living with addiction and you yourself need some support.  
 
“It’s really important people know that Naloxone isn’t going to have any negative interaction with other health issues. It is safe to administer to try to counter the effects of opoids, even if you don’t know if heroin has been used or you’re aware a mix of substances have been used. As Andy has said, if you suspect overdose always call for an ambulance as they can talk you through the whole process. The nasal spray and the injectable options both have the same effect. And it’s important to call even if the person has come round as relapse is possible, particularly with the changing strength and mix of substances we’re seeing.  
 
“For people who are using drugs, please remember: do not use alone, start with a smaller amount and avoid using multiple substances or excess use.”  
 
As well as offering free, confidential, non-judgemental support to family and friends, ADA can also help anyone with support to test their drugs. Get in touch by calling 01224 594700 or Freephone 0333 3 448355, or email helpline@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk 
 
NHS Grampian lead for the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership in Aberdeen, explained: “Hearing from those with lived experience and sharing their ideas about what can be done differently is incredibly important to us. As part of Drug and Alcohol Partnerships across Grampian, in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, we’re recognising the evolving nature of drug harms. Across Scotland, potent synthetic opioids, medetomidine and new benzodiazepines are sometimes detected in substances sold as heroin or other drugs. Some synthetic opioids are hundreds of times more potent than heroin and mixing these substances can be fatal. Please remember services like ADA in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and Quarriers in Moray are here to help. There is also a role for us all as part of our wider communities to share this awareness and help reduce the stigma that only serves to put people in harm’s way.”  
 
ADA offer drop-ins to access 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