'Any drug or medicine has the potential to be a poison..'
There has been a call for the creation of overdose prevention facilities in the wake of a number of suspected drug deaths in Belfast City Centre.
Someone taking a combination of these drugs puts them at a far greater risk of suffering a potentially fatal overdose. Overdose Prevention Facilities are specially designated spaces where people are able to take drugs safely under the supervision of trained staff, who can respond immediately to overdose. Such facilities also allow access to sterile equipment as well as support services including drug treatment, mental health services, wound care and blood testing, among others.
"The risks of death or serious harm are becoming increasingly high for many people managing problematic drug use, to the extent that we must find a way in which they can be supported in a safe, stable environment. The PHA has said that it is concerned about the recent suspected drug deaths in Belfast City Centre and said that work is ongoing to address the issue.
"The primary risk factors when using drugs include taking too much of a substance, taking a substance over an extended period of time or “bingeing”, mixing drugs with other drugs and/or alcohol, and using drugs on your own. "Thirdly, if you are taking it with something else, for example mixing it with alcohol or other drugs, then it could also cost you your life.
"It is therefore important that we look at ways that we can reduce the danger that opioid users face. The main risks for people who use opiates are accidental overdose, and the transmission of blood-borne viruses through sharing of injecting equipment. "If you have taken drugs or have misused a medication and are feeling unwell, please seek medical help urgently.
Superintendent Amanda Ford said: “We are aware of ongoing issues with drug misuse in Belfast City Centre and we continue work hard every day to keep people safe, and in particular we have a clear focus on the risk and harm resulting from illicit drugs, their supply and demand. “We conduct operational activity in direct response to the threat and harm caused, and on information received from members of the community. This is evidenced on an almost daily basis through the proactive action that is taken, by bringing offenders to justice.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
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