Reaction has been mixed in Scotland to the news that Naloxone, an antidote for heroin overdose, may be given out to addicts as well as their families and friends on a trial basis. Supporters of the scheme include the Scottish Network of Families Affected by Drugs and the Scottish Drugs Forum. Detractors include some members of the Scottish parliament, like Bill Aitken of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
While approval is still needed by the Glasgow city council for the proposed trial there, one is already under way in Lanarkshire. The idea behind giving out the emergency kits and relevant training is to cut down on the number of heroin overdose victims, an increasing problem in Scotland said to be caused by the increased purity of heroin on the streets. Naloxone, which is administered by injection either intravenously or by intramuscular injection - the former acting much quicker - works by countering the depression of the respiratory and central nervous systems. It must be administered by someone else other than the victim.
Arguments for the proposal include:
* It will save lives (as demonstrated by schemes in the U.S., including San Francisco) as treatment can be administered earlier
* It frees up resources for the treatment of other drug users
Arguments against the proposal include:
* It offers a safety net to users thus encouraging further drug use
* It is best administered by medical professionals who are the best equipped to concentrate on the real “cures” of heroin overdoses such as “oxygen, breathing support and airway control” as well as the aggressive nature of some opiate addicts once revived.