I recently attended a “Combating drugs partnership” meeting. An interesting meeting, which I thought I would share with you to give some insight into what is available for those in addiction.
As usual there were several statistics quoted, however, it was explained there is a need for data in order to claim funding to help with substance misuse. There is a reduction in County Lines and an increase in intelligence. Unfortunately, there is an increase in drug related suspensions from schools, but on the positive side a lot of encouraging information, showing all the efforts being made to address and improve the quality of recovery services in Portsmouth.
Overdose reduction centres
These are currently successfully being trialled in Scotland, where they are legal. They are safe places, where addicts can have their drugs tested to check the composition. Checking for fentanyl particularly, as this is so much stronger than heroin. They then can be monitored while injecting. This reduces the likelihood of overdose and help is immediately available should this happen. There is a great deal of local support for this including from PCC, but sadly is rejected at government level, so any attempt to run a centre such as this would be illegal at the moment. There was good conversation about this proposal, and it was good to hear, that it was being promoted, and everyone seemed to be in agreement. Whether it will ever get government approval remains to be seen.
Testing strips
These are being made available at The Hub, hostels and drop-in centres, so that drugs can be tested before using. Such a simple but good idea but with the potential to prevent overdosing.
Mental health and addiction being treated together (co-occurring conditions)
This is finally being introduced. If someone presents with both, they can be seen by a Mental Health Nurse and a Drug Support Worker together. This is long overdue and quite slow moving at the moment I think, as there is probably a need for more staff.
Stop and swap
This is a government supported campaign to encourage people, especially those in addiction to change to vapes. They are given a free 4-week starter pack and so far the results are deemed to be promising. I am a tad sceptical about this, as in my experience addicts like anything that is free. However, the lady that was talking about this scheme was so passionate and enthusiastic, that on this occasion I kept my comments to myself.
At this meeting there were two young men in recovery, who spoke so well about the services in Portsmouth and how they personally had benefitted. One came from Essex and stated that nothing like this existed in his area. We are very lucky in Portsmouth, because there is a great deal of help for those in substance misuse. These two had undertaken a film making course as part of their recovery and we were shown three very short films that they had made under the banner of “I am only human”. One of these showed an addict beating on his mother’s door and then grappling with her to try and get her bag. He desperately needed money to pay his dealer.
This really struck a chord with me, as sadly a very familiar scenario to me personally. However, it was lovely to hear these two young men talk so enthusiastically about how well they were doing and how grateful they were for the film course. To be allowed to work with such expensive equipment and to be trusted and given responsibility made them very proud.
From my point of view, it was just nice to see them doing so well and showing recovery is always possible….
