Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) Alerts
Bromazolam alert

Actions for drug and alcohol service staff

Services, and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships should share this alert with local partners who are likely to be in contact with people who take drugs.
When asking patients about substance use, explain that the contents of street benzos are changing and new substances like bromazolam are becoming more common.
Use the opportunity to raise awareness on the risks of new drugs and counterfeit medicines. Discuss treatment options and harm reduction approaches, including the risk of mixing drugs and the importance of drug checking.
Benzodiazepines can cause extreme memory impairment. Discuss ways to keep track of appointments such as setting and sending reminders. Make a note of key points at appointments and recap these each time you meet.
Service staff can help people access the drug testing service WEDINOS. Staff should not handle any substances but can facilitate service access by providing printed sample submission forms, stamped addressed envelopes and by sharing online results.
Provide training on overdose and benzodiazepines. SDF offers a free e-learning course called What’s happening on the streets with benzos?
Read the benzo harm reduction and prescribing guidance published by the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programme. This guidance is for staff who support people accessing treatment for benzodiazepine use. It includes information on the prescribing and the safe and effective delivery of appropriate psychosocial interventions.