A homeless charity says it has recorded “unprecedented levels” of overdoses due to increased use of opioids in Northern Ireland.
Depaul said it witnessed a dramatic influx of people presenting with substance use issues last year, contributing to a rise in overdoses amidst massive demand for the lifesaving Naloxone medication.
The charity is calling for Stormont to urgently respond to the rising substance use in the north.
Figures from the charity reveal a 60% increase in drug overdoses across Depaul’s services in the north with a 337% rise in the administration of the life-saving naloxone medication, which reverses the effects of opioids.
Other statistics show one in four individuals presented with substance use issues to Depaul’s homeless intervention services in Antrim, Derry and Tyrone during 2023.
In total there were 57 overdoses last year - an increase of 60% in just one year, some of which can be linked to the recent increase in the availability of synthetic opioids.
The drug toxicity is more potent, which is resulting in more overdoses and fatalities.
David Carroll from Depaul said there are serious concerns about the “current state of play around the opioid crisis” and the charity is calling for an “escalated and urgent response”.
“Tackling the opioid crisis requires a whole-of-government, society-wide approach,” he said.
“We are seeing a rapid increase in substance use, and increasingly poly substance use, amongst our service user cohort.
“During the course of 2023, Depaul’s frontline team administered 140 of the lifesaving naloxone medication, a 337% increase from last year.
“In many instances multiple doses are required due to the potency of the opioid being supplied.”
Mr Carroll said their objective is to “make vast improvements in health-related interventions across homeless services, to prevent drug related deaths”.
“Depaul supports the introduction of supervised consumption rooms where there is a high prevalence of injecting behaviours,” he said.
“Users of the services would receive clean needles, mental health support and supervision by medical staff who can respond quickly to an overdose.
“Safe drug injecting rooms would help to save the lives of some of our most vulnerable in the community, and provide gateways to recovery and treatment options while at the same time, addressing the issues of unsafe injecting practices in public spaces.
“Naloxone needs to be much more readily available to make a significant difference in reducing overdose related deaths across Northern Ireland.
“It is vital that first responders have a supply of Naloxone available given the increase in overdoses we are seeing.”
He said “immediate resources” from Stormont are needed.
Such good news and grounds for optimism to hear a return to Stormont is imminent. Tackling homelessness and health-related issues in Northern Ireland requires a whole-of-government, society-wide approach. Good luck to everyone over the next few days. pic.twitter.com/FDRCIV7DQq
— Depaul (@DepaulIreland) January 30, 2024
