DRUG users are being urged to carry a potentially life-saving injection which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose.
NHS Lanarkshire is urging local heroin users to find out more about Naloxone, as it could help save their life.
Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effect of overdose from opiate substances such as heroin, methadone or dihydrocodeine.
The temporary reversal can provide more time for an ambulance crew to arrive and treatment to be given.
NHS Lanarkshire's Harm Reduction Team is backing the Scottish Government-funded programme.
Maureen Woods, leader of team, said: "Every drugs death is an absolute tragedy.
"That's why we're embracing this innovative approach which essentially provides a supply of Naloxone to the person at risk and an associate of someone who misuses opiate drugs, and gives them instructions on how to administer it in the event it's required."
Awareness raising of the Take Home Naloxone scheme comes at the same time as a recently released Scottish Government report which shows that, nationally, the number of drug-related deaths remains high.
To find out more about the Take Home Naloxone programme, call NHS Lanarkshire's Harm Reduction Team on 01236 441067.
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