Reducing drug deaths in London

Drug-related deaths have been rising for the past eight years. Latest available statistics show

that drug use deaths in England and Wales are at their highest level since records began.

This trend has led to calls for policies and practices which focus on harm reduction methods to try to reduce the harm that people do to themselves or others from their drug use.

The London Assembly Health Committee heard that drug checking services, access to nasal naloxone and drug consumption rooms can all play a role in reducing the impact of harmful drug use in London.

The Reducing Drug Deaths in London report makes seven recommendations to the Mayor, Central Government and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to help reduce the number of drug-related deaths across London and the UK. The recommendations include:

Recommendation 1

Drug checking services should be provided in London, including at clubs and music events.

Recommendation 2

The Government should introduce a national naloxone programme in England to end the

postcode lottery of provision, and to bring England in line with Northern Ireland, Scotland and

Wales.

Recommendation 3

In the interim, the Mayor’s Drugs Commission should work with partners and service providers

to assess the availability of naloxone in relevant settings in London, as well as the education

and training levels of staff; and identify barriers and solutions to ensure adequate and

consistent access across the capital.

Recommendation 3

In the interim, the Mayor’s Drugs Commission should work with partners and service providers

to assess the availability of naloxone in relevant settings in London, as well as the education

and training levels of staff; and identify barriers and solutions to ensure adequate and

consistent access across the capital.

Recommendation 4

The Mayor should work with the Metropolitan Police Service so that officers routinely carry

nasal naloxone spray.

Recommendation 5

The Mayor should lead a public awareness campaign on naloxone and how it is used to save

lives in the event of an overdose.

Recommendation 6

The Mayor’s Drugs Commission should work with partners including the Home Office to ensure

London leads the way in reducing drug harm by piloting drug-consumption rooms.

Recommendation 7

The Mayor should run a campaign with partners to educate Londoners about how to reduce

drug harm and deaths.