Scottish Drugs Forum

05/09/2025

This week we delivered an in-person Drug Awareness training session in Elgin.

If you’d like to learn more about our training, visit: www.sdftraining.org.uk

04/09/2025

Our latest report explores experiences of long-acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB).

Building on the important work from last year’s observational evaluation of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Scottish Drugs Forum has published a new peer-led research report focusing specifically on long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB). This more targeted evaluation explores the lived experiences of people receiving LAIB treatment in greater depth, offering fresh insights into this form of treatment.

You can read the report here:
https://buff.ly/u962fAG

03/09/2025

Behind every statistic is a life lost, a family grieving and a community hurting.

We know change is possible - but it requires courage, compassion, and a collective action.

Every life matters. Every death is preventable.

https://buff.ly/ut7juEw

02/09/2025

In 2024, 1,017 people in Scotland lost their lives to a preventable overdose. Since records began in 1996, that number has reached 18,695.

A small decline in deaths is not cause for celebration - it’s a call for urgent, life-saving action.

The number of drug deaths is expected to have dropped slightly, but experts warn that any fall will most likely be a blip.

02/09/2025

"Today’s figures from National Records of Scotland again confirm the tragic and preventable scale of drug-related deaths in our country. Each number in this report represents a person whose life has been cut short, leaving behind grieving families, friends, and communities."

Our CEO, Kirsten Horsburgh reflects on today’s figures and the urgent need for change. Read the full story:

Today’s figures from National Records of Scotland again confirm the tragic and preventable scale of drug-related deaths in…

02/09/2025

This morning, our CEO Kirsten Horsburgh spoke on BBC’s Good Morning Scotland about Scotland’s drug deaths crisis, ahead of the latest figures from National Records of Scotland today.

You can listen here (from 07:14):

Listen live to BBC Radio Scotland on BBC Sounds

02/09/2025

Scotland is still facing a public health emergency. These lives could be saved - every death leaves a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.


https://buff.ly/6pr9MGp

01/09/2025

This month, and every month, we acknowledge all forms of positive change - the everyday steps, big and small, people take toward connection, health, hope and dignity. This is made possible when we challenge the barriers, stigma and discrimination that hold people back.

Recovery is not confined to one destination or one timeframe, but reflected in the changes people make every single day.

Making change takes real strength and that strength exists in everyone, whether it’s visible today or still waiting for the right support, opportunity and environment to emerge 💜

31/08/2025

We still have some spaces left for our upcoming Glasgow training this month💻

These courses are developed and delivered by SDF, funded by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership & ADP

Our interactive facilitator-led training takes place on MS Teams and currently is only available to those who work in Glasgow City.

To register for these courses or view Scotland wide courses, please visit: https://buff.ly/jaffIhD

29/08/2025

Life-saving training 🚨 People with experience of homelessness joined staff at Emmaus Glasgow in overdose awareness training from the Scottish Drugs Forum to help save lives in the city.

The course reinforces Emmaus Glasgow’s commitment to the Forum's campaign, equipping people who are part of the charity with anti-overdose medication and life-saving knowledge.

Participants learned how to administer Naloxone, a fast-acting medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, by rapidly reversing the life-threatening effects and restoring normal breathing.

In addition to carrying Naloxone on the charity’s vans and in its shops in Hamiltonhill and Partick, Emmaus Glasgow also carries the anti-overdose drug at its soup kitchen on Cadogan Street in the city.

Richard, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The number of drug deaths and level of harm caused by alcohol and drugs in Scotland is unacceptable. Every life lost to addiction is a tragedy.

“As part of the education we provide about addiction and trauma, we are determined to ensure as many people who are part of our charity know how to use Naloxone as possible. By offering training to people supported by Emmaus Glasgow as well as members of staff, we are reinforcing our commitment to the campaign to in Scotland.”

Chris is supported by Emmaus Glasgow and a member of the van crew who collect donations and make deliveries for the charity’s shops.

He said, “I am very, very glad I’ve got the chance to do the training. When we are driving around the centre of Glasgow, we see people taking drugs. If you’ve got Naloxone and you see someone in trouble, you could save their life. It’s the easiest thing in the world to use and it makes sense to have it on the van.”

Evan, who is also supported by Emmaus Glasgow, spoke about the training. To read more of the story, head to the link in the comments below. Thank you to the Scottish Drugs Forum for visiting.

28/08/2025

Chaired by Wez Steele, Scottish Drugs Forum, this closing session brought together reflections and insights from our conference listeners: Andy McAuley - Glasgow Caledonian University, Chelsea Cameron - Activist and Campaigner, Trish Tracey - Turning Point Scotland, and Derek Watt - Scottish Recovery Consortium.

A thoughtful conclusion to the day, highlighting key takeaways, shared learning, and the collective commitment to advancing drug policy, reducing harm, and amplifying lived experience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us over the last two days!

28/08/2025

Chaired by Fiona McQueen, Scottish Recovery Consortium, this session focused on advancing advocacy and reform in drug policy.

Speakers included Niamh Eastwood, Release ‘Reforming UK Drug Policy: Decriminalisation and Advocacy’ and Jed Brady, Reach Advocacy ‘Advancing Advocacy in Scotland’.

The session concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A with people with living experience, emphasising the critical role of lived experience in shaping effective advocacy and policy change.

A compelling discussion on building momentum and empowering voices for change.