ADPH welcomes new guidance on synthetic drugs

New guidance published by the Home Office this week will help to support communities across England to combat the increasing threat of dangerous synthetic drugs.

Peter Roderick, ADPH, Policy Co-Lead for Addiction said:  

“Sadly, there are increasing numbers of people being sold synthetic opioids, and other adulterated drugs, which can be up to 500 times stronger than heroin and mixed with any number of substances. The result is tragic, with increasing numbers of overdoses and deaths among some of the most vulnerable people in our society. 

“The availability of naloxone medicine to a family member or friend of a person who is known to be using opiates – including potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl or nitazenes – or to an outreach worker working with people who use these drugs, was an important step to reduce opioid deaths.   

“Greater access to rapid testing for seized drugs, as well as the Government’s support for more police officers to carry naloxone is very welcome and is another step forward in helping to save lives in our local communities.”