Scots Urged to Carry Extra Naloxone Kits Amid Dangerous Synthetic Opioid Threat

As of August 31st, 2025, the Scottish government is urging Scots who carry naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses, to have "extra life-saving kits" on hand. This advice comes amid a warning about the growing threat of synthetic opioids, such as nitazene, which have been detected in 38 deaths in Scotland between January and March of 2025.

Maree Todd, Scotland's drug and alcohol policy minister, issued the warning after being shown how to administer naloxone during a visit to an ambulance station in Glasgow. The Scottish Ambulance Service's take-home naloxone program has already distributed over 4,000 kits to those who may need to use the drug to help a friend or family member in the event of an overdose.

Since 2011, a total of 205,650 naloxone kits have been handed out as part of Scotland's national naloxone program. The minister praised the efforts of the ambulance service and others whose work has been "instrumental in saving lives," especially as the drug supply has become increasingly unpredictable and dangerous.

The Scottish government is determined to tackle the harm caused by drugs, providing record levels of funding for drug and alcohol programs, including expanding access to treatment, residential rehabilitation, and life-saving naloxone. They have also supported the opening of the UK's first safer drug consumption facility and are working to deliver drug-checking services.