Case studies

These visual case studies highlight three successful take-home naloxone programmes in Europe and illustrate naloxone distribution from different settings: prison facilities, harm reduction centres and the open drug scene.

The videos allow a unique insight into the programmes’ history and current management, with advice and stories from the individuals who make take-home naloxone programmes in their communities a reality.

If you’re interested in take-home naloxone programmes, view our interactive map to find other examples of successful programmes in Europe.

Scotland

The nationwide take-home naloxone programme was implemented in Scotland in 2011 to address the rising number of opioid overdose deaths. Coordinated by the Scottish Drugs Forum, the Scottish National Naloxone Programme distributes naloxone and provides overdose training to people with a history of drug use upon their release from prison, as their reduced tolerance during this timeframe increases their risk of overdosing. Its implementation has led to a significant reduction in opioid overdose deaths following prison release in Scotland, and there is work to expand the programme to other settings.

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Denmark

ANTIDOTE Denmark is an NGO that provides overdose training and distributes naloxone to people who use drugs, their relatives and other professionals.

Committed to increasing access to naloxone, ANTIDOTE takes the overdose training course to the open drug scene and encourages people who use drugs to participate in the training and receive naloxone. ANTIDOTE was originally founded in Copenhagen in response to high opioid overdose deaths, and is now spreading to other Danish municipalities through a network of doctors, nurses and committed citizens.

Catalonia

In 2009, the Public Health Agency of Catalonia formally launched the Overdose Prevention Programme, which involved incorporating take-home naloxone programmes into therapeutic communities, drug-treatment centres, and harm reduction facilities across Catalonia.

This video showcases the success of a take-home naloxone programmes within a harm reduction centre or low-threshold facility run by the Red Cross in Barcelona.