It is hugely positive that licences have finally been granted for drug checking services in Glasgow and Dundee – a long-awaited step that will save lives and strengthen our public health response to the country’s drug crisis.
While this may be considered progressive in a Scottish context, drug checking is a vital part of a compassionate drug policy strategy and is already common practice in countries including New Zealand.
These services do far more than reduce the risk of overdose and death. They can detect the presence of emerging, highly potent substances, such as nitazenes, which are often mis-sold or mixed with other drugs. The ability to identify these substances can prevent avoidable tragedies and provide crucial intelligence to health services.
At its core, drug checking is about respect. It recognises each person’s right to know what they’re taking, and empowers people to make safer, informed choices about their own health. That respect and autonomy must be at the heart of any credible public health approach.
Aberdeen and Edinburgh should be next and it’s vital that drug checking is scaled up at pace across the country. This must include a range of models – from fixed-site to mobile and outreach-based services – so that life-saving information is accessible to people wherever they are.
Kirsten Horsburgh, CEO
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