The measures include:
- £1.9 million to support people in prison on prescribed
Opiate Substitution Treatment (OST) to switch to a new
longer-acting form called buvidal
- £150,000 for an enhanced offer of residential rehab to
people leaving prison during the pandemic to support their
recovery and to reduce the pressure on local services
- widening the availability of overdose reversal drug
Naloxone while measures to tackle coronavirus remain in place
Public Health Minister said:
“While this public health crisis is ongoing, we must not lose
sight of the fact there continues to be a significant number
of highly vulnerable individuals who are at great risk of
harm as a result of alcohol and drug use, who continue to
need a wide range of help and support.
“Buvidal is an alternative to methadone or buprenorphine
tablets which is administered by a seven or 28 day injectable
dose, rather than daily administration. By making this
available to people in prisons, we will support continuity of
care, while reducing the need for daily contact and reducing
pressure on our front line prison officers and NHS staff.
“Furthermore, a high proportion of those leaving or about to
leave prison will require support for their recovery from
problem alcohol or drug. Funding to pay for additional
residential rehabilitation places will support their recovery
and to reduce the pressure on local services.
“I welcome the Lord Advocate’s statement of prosecution
policy in respect of the distribution of naloxone during the
period of disruption caused by COVID-19. This will help to
ensure that we can continue to support those affected by drug
use and keep them safe.”
