Landmarks across Dumbarton were illuminated purple to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD).

Alternatives West Dunbartonshire Community Drug Service played a key role in highlighting the event.

The occasion took place on Saturday, August 31 and saw free training sessions held to teach members of the public how to administer Naloxone, a medication which can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids.

Landmarks such as the Council Office Buildings on Church Street and the Smollet Fountain in Alexandria were illuminated purple, the international colour for highlighting IOAD.

(Image: Alternatives) A Time to Remember Roses Ceremony also took place down the Quay Side where a memorial service will be held for those who have died or have been affected by an overdose.

Alternatives West Dunbartonshire Community Drug Service, in partnership with Turning Point Scotland [who delivered the Naloxone training], St Augustine's Church,  Dumbarton Rock Community and Rock in the Storm Bereavement Support Group hope these events will contribute to creating a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and lead to change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

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Free Naloxone training took place in St Augustine's Community Church Hall in Dumbarton, starting with the first drop-in session at 1pm with further sessions taking place at 1.30pm, 2.00pm and 2.30pm.

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Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. In 2020, an estimated 284 million people worldwide had used a drug in the past 12 months, a 26 per cent increase from 2010.

In Scotland, there were 320 suspected drug deaths between January and March 2024.

This was eight per cent [23] higher than the previous quarter and 7 per cent [22] higher than during the same period of 2023.

Following a downward trend from early 2021 to late 2022, the rolling 12-month total of suspected drug deaths has risen over the last year.

Glynis Boyle, a therapeutic family worker at Alternatives, opened up on the importance of the event.

“By coming together to remember our loved ones, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community," she said.

"It is now time to act. We encourage members of the community with lived experience to come to our events and to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have been personally affected by overdose.”