This year, our Stop The Deaths initiative calls for harm reduction to be expanded, accelerated and protected. 

Around the world, evidence-based harm reduction is saving lives. Scotland must learn from what works and act on the evidence – implementing proven interventions that reduce harm and stop deaths. 

What we want  

We want harm reduction to be at the heart of Scotland’s response to drug-related harm, alongside accessible treatment, recovery and wider support. 

This means investing in the interventions that we know save lives, including: 

• a national network of multi-model safer drug consumption facilities 

• expanded drug checking services 

• legal access to safer inhalation equipment 

• a renewed national commitment to naloxone 

• expanded alcohol-specific harm reduction 

• a modernised treatment and rehabilitation system 

But we also need the powers to respond to a changing drug landscape. 

The new Scottish Government must be bold in challenging the limitations of the outdated Misuse of Drugs Act, giving Scotland the ability to respond more quickly to emerging threats and changing patterns of drug use. 

A time to remember 

We are launching this campaign following International Overdose Awareness Day – a day when we come together to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose and strengthen our resolve to stop more deaths. 

As we enter Recovery Month, we also want to recognise the hope and possibility that recovery can bring. Everyone should have the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives, with the support they need to do so. 

A time to act 

Remembering those we have lost must go hand in hand with action to prevent more deaths. 

We are calling for harm reduction to be embedded, sustained and strengthened at the heart of Scotland’s response to drug-related harm. 

The evidence is there. We know what can save lives. Now we need the ambition, investment and political determination to put it into action.