Drugs are changing and the overdose risks are rising

The drugs available in the UK seem to be changing and new opioids called nitazenes have arrived in this country. They have recently been found mixed with heroin, with some being sold as illicit oxycodone pills and illicit ‘Xanax’ powders.

Nitazenes can be at least as strong as fentanyl and can be hundreds of times more potent than heroin. They are known to have led to accidental overdoses and the deaths of people across the UK.

If you use drugs, this information could help you and your friends to stay safer.

If you know people who use drugs but do not use drugs yourself, the following information could help you to keep people alive.

Assume your drugs may be contaminated with a synthetic opioid and take extra precautions. Because of how dangerous these contaminated drugs are, the way you use drugs may need to change to avoid overdose.

We have updated the following information, in line with harm reduction guidance issued by EuroNPUD, with additional information provided to aid those living in the UK:

Things you can do to stay safe

1. Plan for overdose, make a rescue plan and carry naloxone
2. Don’t use alone
3. Test and check your drugs: Submit an anonymous sample of the substance to the WEDINOS Project for analysis. It will take a few days to get the results back, so go easy in the meantime
4. Start low, go slow. Assume your drug could be something else
5. Stagger your dose
6. Plan your overdose response and how you could help others
7. Seek substitute medication and other prescribing support
8. Create a Stayin’ Alive Plan
9. Watch our range of videos on harm reduction here

For more information on staying safe while using drugs, read our collective message on synthetic opioids here.

NSPDirect

Designed to work alongside traditional needle and syringe exchange channels, NSPdirect enables people who inject drugs in their area to directly access equipment via a postal needle and syringe service, online, setting up an account with a voucher code.

Link to free order and delivery service for injecting equipment from Exchange Supplies.

Our Harm Reduction Videos

Contact us

Cranstoun Worcestershire inspires and empowers people to live healthier and safer lives. We’re here to help and can offer drug support and information to help you reduce harm.

For free, confidential support to stay safe, reach out to Cranstoun Worcestershire.

You can find our contact details below and you can visit our main web page here.

Follow us on X: @CranstounWorcs