Scottish Drugs Forum

26/11/2025

We were honoured to host Drugreporter — the drug policy website of the Rights Reporter Foundation — at our annual conference this summer.

During their time in Glasgow, the Drugreporter team spoke to people with lived and living experience, family members, frontline workers, policymakers and campaigners about the work that is taking place across the country to prevent drug-related deaths.

The resulting short film highlights both Scotland’s progress and the challenges that remain. From the opening of The Thistle, to the introduction of Medication Assisted Treatment standards and our world-leading naloxone distribution programme, the documentary captures a clear message: meaningful change is possible — but it must happen now.

Watch the full film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Ci3BLEKgc

26/11/2025

We were honoured to host Drugreporter — the drug policy website of the Rights Reporter Foundation — at our annual conference this summer.

During their time in Glasgow, the Drugreporter team spoke to people with lived and living experience, family members, frontline workers, policymakers and campaigners about the work that is taking place across the country to prevent drug-related deaths.

The resulting short film highlights both Scotland’s progress and the challenges that remain. From the opening of The Thistle, to the introduction of Medication Assisted Treatment standards and our world-leading naloxone distribution programme, the documentary captures a clear message: meaningful change is possible — but it must happen now.

Read our news story and watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/BRImU7T

25/11/2025

The second issue of Buzz — Scotland’s independent magazine by and for people who use drugs — is out now. Featuring a powerful cover story on mental health care, lived-experience insights, drug trends, winter challenges, and more.

Buzz, established earlier this year, is facilitated by Scottish Drugs Forum. It is editorially independent, with decisions, messaging and conclusions – or lack thereof – coming entirely from the peer editorial board assembled from across Scotland and the wider community.

Read more and download issue #2: https://buff.ly/oBbeIrN

21/11/2025

To find out more about the National Traineeship please come along to one of information sessions.

We have one in-person session and two online sessions this year 📅

This is a relaxed opportunity to hear about everything the traineeship has to offer, ask any questions you may have & learn how this programme can help shape your career.

If you wish to join, please fill out the form for which date suits here: https://buff.ly/v72cZPd

19/11/2025

We want to hear about your experience with MAT.

Our Peer Research and Engagement team is inviting people to share their experiences of accessing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

This opportunity is open to people living in Argyll and Bute, East Dunbartonshire, Fife, and Highland who access support for alcohol or drug use, as well as family members of people receiving MAT in these four areas.

You can find out more details here: https://buff.ly/Lzvi7mb

By sharing your experience, you can help to ensure that the voices of people with lived and living experience – and their families – shape the future of treatment and support services across Scotland.

18/11/2025

Scottish Drugs Forum’s SVQ Centre offers SQA-accredited qualifications in Social Services & Healthcare, Advice & Guidance, and Community Development — designed for Scotland’s drug, alcohol and social care workforce.

Learn online, with one-to-one assessor support that fits around your job and life.

Find the right course for you in our 2025 Prospectus: https://buff.ly/Qqkrbem

18/11/2025

Tackling drug stigma is everyone's business.

We have been part of the NHSGGC Stigma Action Group who have created a helpful tool to support conversations and practice: 'Tackling Stigma is Everyone's Business'.

We are currently helping to develop drug stigma awareness workshop, tools to support stigma free conversations, and videos which will be available soon.

Learn how we can all make a difference:

Tackling Drug Stigma is Everyone's Business - GGC Stigma Action Group Framing Document

17/11/2025

It was a pleasure to deliver naloxone training to the Glasgow University Psychiatry Society last Thursday. Increasing awareness and confidence around overdose response saves lives.

Thanks for having us!

14/11/2025

SDF’s National Traineeship is now open to applicants across Scotland! This unique, 9-month programme of paid work placements, specialist training and vocational learning is specifically designed for people with experience of substance use, providing a pathway into long-term, meaningful employment.

The multi-award-winning National Traineeship includes:

✅ Paid work experience
✅ Specialist training
✅ Peer and one-on-one support

For more info or to apply, visit: https://buff.ly/v72cZPd

12/11/2025

If you missed Correlation European Harm Reduction Network's webinar "Scaling Up Naloxone Access in Europe: Overcoming Challenges” - you can now watch the full recording below.

Our CEO, Kirsten Horsburgh joined the webinar as one of the panellists.

Watch here: https://buff.ly/BhoalUc

10/11/2025

Our Peer Research team recently collaborated with partners including the University of Bristol on a multidisciplinary project exploring the co-use of benzodiazepine/z-drugs and opioids.

The research aimed to understand how these drugs interact, why people may co-use them and why this combination increases the risk of fatal or near-fatal overdose.

The project focused on Bristol, Teesside, and Glasgow — engaging both people who co-use these substances and staff working in related services. SDF’s peer researchers co-facilitated interviews in Glasgow, ensuring lived experience shaped the findings.

The full overview, including methods, participant insights, and key recommendations, is available here: https://buff.ly/WL9mgHE

There are also two publications in the Harm Reduction Journal on this work, available at:
https://buff.ly/i0tO7FL
https://buff.ly/O7YDMih

Background Drug-related deaths have substantially increased over the past decade in the UK, particularly in Scotland. Co-use of opioids and benzodiazepines (prescribed and/or illicit) is contributing to rising mortality. This study identified motivations in people’s co-use with the aim of informin...