Scottish star Martin Compston has been part of a series of commercials working to raise awareness of drugs and the use of naloxone.
Naloxone can reverse the effects of a drug overdose, with advertisements encouraging people to take an active role and order the drug.
The TV commercials start airing today as the latest step in a campaign launched in August, supported by the Scottish Government.
He encourages the public to visit a website – www.stopthedeaths.com – which provides advice on how to recognize a drug overdose and what to do next.
READ MORE: Drug-related deaths hit shocking new highs in Glasgow and Scotland
And he urges people to order the freely available drug, naloxone, which can be given as a nasal spray and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Opioids, like heroin and methadone, were involved in 89% of the 1,339 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2020.
The campaign – titled We Can Prevent Drug Deaths – also includes radio ads, billboards, buses and trains and will run through November.
David Liddell, CEO of the Scottish Drugs Forum policy and information organization, said: Drug problem.
READ MORE: ‘Appalling’ nearly 190 suspected drug-related deaths in Glasgow in six months
“The public health emergency around drug-related deaths in Scotland has continued in part because of this stigma.
“The government’s investment in this high-profile campaign is a clear indicator of a change in public attitude and the government has shown leadership in this regard.
“SDF was delighted to shape this campaign and spread it across Scotland. ”
Kirsten Horsburgh, Strategic Coordinator of Drug-Related Death Prevention at the Scottish Drugs Forum, added: “Time is running out when a person becomes unresponsive after an overdose and can be crucial in preventing death or serious brain damage. We need everyone to be able to recognize an overdose, step in and call 999.
“Naloxone helps save the person time while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
“If a person is not breathing or there is not enough oxygen in the brain, that person is obviously in very real danger. We encourage everyone to visit www.stopthedeaths.com to learn more and to pack naloxone.
