Safety warning issued for a dangerous batch of heroin in Bristol

A safety warning has been issued in Bristol due to a batch of heroin increasing the chance of overdose following an unusually high number of serious, heroin-related health incidents. Six people have tragically died, and many more have needed emergency medical care.  

Taking heroin is always dangerous, but fluctuations in the supply can have tragic consequences for those who use it. It is unclear how far spread this batch is within the city, and there have not been consistent reports on how it looks or prepares, so we would encourage anyone who uses heroin to be very careful.   

Some ways you can stay safer if you are taking heroin are: 

• Avoid using heroin when you’re alone. If you do, try to make sure someone is available to check in on you afterwards. 
• Don’t use heroin with other drugs that suppress your respiratory system, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and pregabalin.  
• Carry naloxone at all times – it could save someone’s life.  
• Contact BDP to talk to an expert drugs worker. We can provide naloxone, safer use advice and access to a variety of treatment options that could reduce your risk of overdose.  

The most powerful tool we have to prevent death from overdose is naloxone. Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. BDP is working closely with partners, including the police, public health and other front-line agencies, to reduce the impact of this batch of heroin, raise awareness of the potential dangers and offer free training in naloxone administration. 

Lydia Plant, Treatment Services Manager at Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) said: “Over the last ten days, countless people’s lives have been saved by naloxone. BDP can issue naloxone for free to anyone that needs it – you may be able to save someone’s life with it. Whether you use heroin, live with someone who does or might come across someone overdosing in your community or as part of your job, please visit our website or drop in to BDP to pick some up.” 

She continues, “Despite the tragic situation, it has been heartening to see how effectively all of the different partner agencies across the drug and alcohol sector, criminal justice sector and Bristol City Council have pulled together to put strategies in place to mitigate the risk to people’s lives.” 

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, please get in contact. You can call us on 0117 987 6000, Email info@bdp.org.uk or visit 11 Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE. More details can be found on our website here www.bdp.org.uk. 

For any press request, please get in touch with BDP Communications Lead George Herbert on george.herbert@bdp.org.uk or call 07800 721506