BENZOS BLIGHT

Research aims to tackle 'street valium' scourge that's killed thousands of people, £2.6m study examines if prescribing diazepam could help cut death toll

- MARK McGIVERN

SCOTLAND'S drug death crisis is being driven by “street valium” known as benzos, but now experts are looking at new ways to halt the tide of tragedy.

A major clinical trial will target heroin addicts who also use highly dangerous benzodiazepine pills, which have featured in thousands of deaths in recent years.

The street trade in benzos, crudely cooked up in backstreet drug factories, has been the single biggest factor in driving Scotland's drug deaths to far higher levels than any other European nation.

Mixing of the cheap pills with heroin, methadone, cocaine, alcohol and other substances, has led to a death rate that remains the highest in western Europe, despite a five-year mission to tackle it.

Now a three-year, £2.6million trial at Stirling University will assess whether prescribing a stable dose of diazepam - often known as valium - alongside additional support can help reduce drug-related deaths.

Professor Catriona Matheson, who is leading the study, said: “There is a real need for clinically based research within this stigmatised and under-researched population.

They should have the same access to evidence-based treatment options available across other areas of UK healthcare.