1. Taking Action on Scotland’s Drug-Related Deaths Glasgow 8 August 2005 Who is Doing What in Scotland? An Overview. Mike McCarron National Officer, Association of Drug Action Teams in Scotland

2. High Harm Drug Users Complex Human Beings Smothering pain Consumers in illegal social networks High risk takers Low in social and economic capital Inequality Kills (Richard Wilkinson, The Impact of Inequality)

3. Government Tackling Inequality Children and families Education and employment Housing and community support

4. The Public Knowing the Facts KTS Launch of cocaine and heroin publicity A Hierarchy of Harm? E.g. Alcohol and Tobacco deaths Making Personal Choices Supporting Social Policies? Shifts in Problems/Scale/Consensus

5. DATs’ Responsibility & Accountability National Target ( 25% reduction by 2005) Corporate Action Plan Information 2001 onwards – big service expansion e.g. methadone, social support, criminal justice Supporting families of drug users

6. DATs Services which help – “Meaning what you say” A Homelessness Shelter Intervention – engagement – involvement – relationship – responsibility Time to observe, reflect, evaluate Connecting to other opportunities Re Targets to increase client access Balancing increased numbers & the provision of really helpful services

7. DAT Drug Death Prevention Activity Scotland wide Critical Incidents Groups Database to improve care pathways e.g. prisons Improved linkages with A&E services Improved witness/emergency intervention at scene of overdose Consideration about naloxone Staff training

8. Particular Work by DATs Argyll & Clyde Ayrshire & Arran Grampian Greater Glasgow Forth Valley Lanarkshire

9. Drug Deaths in Scotland (GROS) Some Facts (with caveat) 1996-19991008 deaths 2000-20031323 deaths Change+ 315 (31%) dr. preval @ 2000 av drd/yr for 96-99 1:221 dr. preval @ 2003 av drd/yr for 00-03 1:156

10. Some Outcomes by NHS Board Areas NHS BoardChangeDRD:Preval Borders0%1:680 Tayside- 27%1:288 Lothian- 7%1: 192

11. DAT Association Follow up DATA, SACDM & National Investigation Reports Practice interchange between DATs Membership of a Scottish Preventing DRDs Forum?

12. Final Thoughts Wide and forward ranging scenario/policy examination Focussed and reality based service interventions and targets Vending machines – etc.