New scheme could help prevent drug related deaths on Island

A new scheme is set to reduce the number of drug related deaths on Island.

The mental health service is offering training to administer 'naloxene' - an emergency antidote that counteracts the effects of opioid based drugs leading to an accidental over-dose. 

So far 32 patients dependent the opioid drugs such as heroin, methadone and morphine as well as their 'significant others' have completed the training. 

Consultant psychiatrist from the drug and alcohol team Dr Kirsten Wafer says she hopes the first group trained in the 'Take Home Naloxene Programme' will 'champion' the life saving scheme to others in need: