Scottish Drugs Forum

29/07/2026

Just 4 weeks to go until 2026.

Join us on 26 and 27 August for two days of learning, discussion and collaboration focused on reducing drug-related harms.

Hear from national and international experts, alongside people with living and lived experience, as we explore policy, service improvement and harm reduction.

View the full programme and secure your place: https://buff.ly/BId3ODa

29/07/2026

Scotland's only crisis centre for drug and alcohol addiction is in dispute with its council-owned landlord.

29/07/2026

We stand in solidarity with Scottish Drugs Forum member Turning Point Scotland as it fights to save two essential services in Glasgow.

Read our statement in the comments.

Scotland's only crisis centre for drug and alcohol addiction is in dispute with its council-owned landlord.

28/07/2026

Today, Public Health Scotland has published its Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) quarterly report, highlighting a changing and increasingly unpredictable drug supply and the urgent need for Scotland’s response to keep pace.

While any reduction in suspected drug deaths is welcome, these figures still represent too many lives lost and show that we are not seeing the scale of change that is desperately needed.

Read our statement: https://buff.ly/MB84EMJ

28/07/2026

It's – a moment to highlight the global impact of hepatitis and the importance of early testing, access to care and ongoing prevention. Awareness saves lives.

Let's break it down with World Hepatitis Alliance: https://buff.ly/GnyA43N

27/07/2026

📢 New resource available

Our latest resource provides an overview of medetomidine, including key information, harm reduction advice and guidance for responding to an overdose.

Read now: https://buff.ly/5VKACeO

26/07/2026

🚨SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

We are delighted to announce that Louise Horn, Peer Research Development Officer at Scottish Drugs Forum, will be speaking on Day 2 of our conference this year.

Louise will present the findings of SDF’s report, ‘Experiences of MAT Standards implementation of people who use co***ne and crack.’ The session will explore the experiences of people who use co***ne and crack, alongside the experiences of staff supporting them, before highlighting recommendations to help inform future service improvement.

Louise is involved in the delivery of peer research and evaluation projects at SDF, including leading a national project evaluating the implementation of the MAT Standards. This work ensures the voices of those with living and lived experience inform decision making and service improvement.

📆 26 & 27 August
📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
🔗 Book now: https://buff.ly/d1fOuiB

24/07/2026

The latest issue of Buzz Magazine features articles on emerging drug trends, substance use in the LGBTQ+ community and HIV home testing kits.

Buzz is Scotland's only magazine created by and for people with living experience of substance use, sharing honest stories, practical information and peer-led journalism that helps people stay safer while advocating for positive change.

In the latest episode of the Drugs Uncut podcast, Kirsten and Jason are joined by Lorraine from the Buzz peer editorial board and Whitney, a drug and alcohol support worker at Murray's Initiative, to discuss the magazine's lead feature on substance use within the LGBTQ+ community and why representation matters.

📖 Read the latest issue of Buzz: buzz.scot
🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://buff.ly/acSnwF3

22/07/2026

🚨SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

We are delighted to announce that Maree Todd MSP, the Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs in the Scottish Government, will be opening Day 1 of our conference this year.

A pharmacist by profession, Maree worked in NHS Highland for 20 years, primarily as a mental health pharmacist in a psychiatric hospital. She previously served as Minister for Children and Young People before being appointed Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport in March 2023. Following her re-election in 2026, she was appointed Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs.

We are delighted to welcome Maree to the conference as she opens this year's event, setting the scene for two days of discussion, learning and collaboration focused on reducing drug-related harms in Scotland.

📆 26 & 27 August
📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
🔗 Book now: https://buff.ly/d1fOuiB

21/07/2026

On Zero HIV Stigma Day, SDF remains committed to challenging stigma, supporting your workforce, and helping to create a Scotland where HIV-related stigma has no place.