Recommendations for preventing drug-related deaths

Improving access to opioid substitution treatment and psychosocial care. Access to treatment must be expedited and continuity of care ensured nationwide.

Improving the accessibility of health counselling services. Low-threshold services must be easily accessible to everyone who needs them.

Piloting supervised consumption facilities. Legislation is needed to enable pilot schemes for drug consumption rooms in order to reduce harms and facilitate access to services.

Distribution of naloxone and first aid training. Naloxone, the antidote for opioid overdose, should be available to people who use opioids problematically, their loved ones and professionals – including for take-home use.

Lowering the threshold for calling for help. Trust in authorities must be strengthened so that people feel safe to seek help in emergency situations.

Improving information exchange. Rapid and effective information exchange is needed between people who use drugs, authorities and third-sector actors.

Targeted communication and campaigns. Information on safer use, available services, seeking help and risk awareness must be delivered directly to different target groups.

Cooperation with the police and other actors. The role of the police in referral to treatment and harm reduction should be strengthened.

Reducing stigma. Prejudices related to people who use drugs and the services intended for them must be dismantled so that people feel safe to seek help.

Wearable technology and new technological innovations. For example, smart wristbands or alert applications can help detect overdoses and summon help.