A PILOT project is being trialled to help train families of drug users to administer potentially life-saving medication.

A national report has shown that East Lancashire has the second worst record for drug-related deaths in England, which has prompted action from the Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (LDAAT).

The group has teamed up with the Inspire drug and alcohol treatment services, which are run by health and social care charity CRI, to train relatives of those with addictions to give counteracting drugs in case of an emergency.

Normally administered by injection, Naloxone can temporarily lessen the effects of an overdose, meaning there is time to call an ambulance or get to hospital.

Nichola Armitage, service manager for Inspire, said: “East Lancashire has one of the highest rates of opiate overdose deaths in the county, and this project will make a real difference.

“The main reason people overdose on drugs like heroin is that there is such variety in the content of drugs bought on the street, meaning people don’t always know how much they’re taking.

“Often, when someone’s life is saved by Naloxone, this acts as a wake-up call, giving that person the chance to get their life back on track.”

Participants in the scheme are trained to spot the signs of an overdose and to administer the injection.

They are then prescribed one dose of the drug for use in an emergency.

Chris Lee, LDAAT commissioning manager and harm reduction lead, said: “LDAAT was really keen to put something in place to reduce the numbers of drug-related deaths in the region.

“Providing peer-led overdose prevention training alongside the provision of Naloxone kits to people who are at risk of opiate overdose is a method of intervention that has been proven to work and will help save lives.”

For more information on drug and alcohol misuse treatment services available in Lancashire, call the Inspire services on 01282 644644.