Current alerts

Nitazenes

A public health alert about nitazene-type opioids was published in January 2023. It was updated on 9 July 2024, due to increasing detections in drugs mis-sold as heroin and diazepam.

Xylazine

A public health alert about xylazine was published on 9 May 2024, due to increasing detections, particularly in drugs mis-sold as heroin. Its use is associated with sedation, sudden collapse and severe wounds.

Scottish Drugs Forum has developed resources on xylazine and wounds (external website), including a factsheet, worker’s guide, poster and updated ‘check your sites’ e-learning module.

Bromazolam

A public health alert about new benzodiazepines was published in July 2023. Bromazolam is the most common drug detected in ‘street benzos’. Bromazolam produces strong sedative and sleep-inducing effects. As a result, there is a substantial risk of overdose.