foolsgold
Bluelighter
A WARNING to Moray drug users has been issued in relation to a tranquilliser linked to 80% of drug-related deaths in the north east.
Use of benzodiazepines – which include diazepam and temazepam – is commonly believed to be not dangerous, but this perception has been challenged by recent figures on drug fatalities in the Grampian area.
Figures show that four out of every five sudden, drug-related death in the north east over the past three years involved the use of benzodiazepines in combination with other street drugs and often with alcohol.
Medical experts and police are concerned that drug users do not appreciate how dangerous the tranquillisers are, sparking the introduction of a new awareness campaign.
The dangers associated with benzodiazepines – also known as Benzo, or BZD – are not generally known, especially among drug users where it is often seen as being less hazardous than other drugs.
Grampian Police, NHS Grampian and the region’s alcohol and drug partnerships including Moray’s, are campaigning to highlight the dangers of these drugs, most of which have not been acquired through prescription.
"Benzodiazepines can be prescribed for severe anxiety and sleep problems in low doses and for short periods. If they are taken in large doses, they can slow breathing and can be fatal," said Dr Bruce Davidson, consultant addiction psychiatrist at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.
"Provisional reports for 2012 reveal that there were at least 28 drug-related deaths across Grampian, 23 of which had benzodiazepine present on toxicology sampling. Each of these deaths was preventable.
"Sadly, in Grampian the majority of people who die from an overdose of drugs have taken benzodiazepines, either on their own or with other drugs that can slow breathing, such as alcohol, heroin or methadone."
Drug users were shocked to discover that benzodiazepines are hazardous and are keen for an awareness campaign to happen, said Grampian Police inspector Colin Mowat. "They were actively involved in the development of the campaign materials," he said.
By the end of February, information on the dangers of benzodiazepines is being promoted on buses, posters and leaflets across the region.
"Drug treatment is now easily available across Grampian and I encourage anyone with a drug problem to see their GP, who can easily access the support and treatment they need," Dr Davidson added.
http://www.northern-scot.co.uk/News/Warning-issued-to-Moray-drug-users-22022013.htm
Use of benzodiazepines – which include diazepam and temazepam – is commonly believed to be not dangerous, but this perception has been challenged by recent figures on drug fatalities in the Grampian area.
Figures show that four out of every five sudden, drug-related death in the north east over the past three years involved the use of benzodiazepines in combination with other street drugs and often with alcohol.
Medical experts and police are concerned that drug users do not appreciate how dangerous the tranquillisers are, sparking the introduction of a new awareness campaign.
The dangers associated with benzodiazepines – also known as Benzo, or BZD – are not generally known, especially among drug users where it is often seen as being less hazardous than other drugs.
Grampian Police, NHS Grampian and the region’s alcohol and drug partnerships including Moray’s, are campaigning to highlight the dangers of these drugs, most of which have not been acquired through prescription.
"Benzodiazepines can be prescribed for severe anxiety and sleep problems in low doses and for short periods. If they are taken in large doses, they can slow breathing and can be fatal," said Dr Bruce Davidson, consultant addiction psychiatrist at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.
"Provisional reports for 2012 reveal that there were at least 28 drug-related deaths across Grampian, 23 of which had benzodiazepine present on toxicology sampling. Each of these deaths was preventable.
"Sadly, in Grampian the majority of people who die from an overdose of drugs have taken benzodiazepines, either on their own or with other drugs that can slow breathing, such as alcohol, heroin or methadone."
Drug users were shocked to discover that benzodiazepines are hazardous and are keen for an awareness campaign to happen, said Grampian Police inspector Colin Mowat. "They were actively involved in the development of the campaign materials," he said.
By the end of February, information on the dangers of benzodiazepines is being promoted on buses, posters and leaflets across the region.
"Drug treatment is now easily available across Grampian and I encourage anyone with a drug problem to see their GP, who can easily access the support and treatment they need," Dr Davidson added.
http://www.northern-scot.co.uk/News/Warning-issued-to-Moray-drug-users-22022013.htm
