RecruitingObservational

What do people who are at high risk of dying from street-drug overdose say is needed to reduce the chance of drug death?

This study aims to understand what people experiencing homelessness in Scotland, who also use drugs, believe is needed to reduce drug-related deaths. With sadly high rates of drug deaths, especially among those who are homeless and inject drugs or have overdosed, new ideas are constantly being explored. Researchers want to hear directly from this group about their needs and their opinions on new services like drug consumption rooms, before these services become widely available. The study will look at existing information and also conduct interviews with people aged 18 and over in specific areas of Scotland. Their experiences will help shape better support and services in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

Start

09 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Homelessness and illicit drug use (especially injecting drug use and/or history of overdose)

What is this study about?

Drug-related deaths in Scotland have been a serious concern for many years. It is known that people who are experiencing homelessness and use street drugs, especially those who inject drugs or have had an overdose in the past, are at a very high risk of dying. Because of this, there's a real need to develop better ways to help support these individuals and reduce the harms associated with drug use.

This study is being done because it's really important to ask the people most affected what they think and what they need. Rather than making decisions for them, researchers want to understand their experiences and listen to their ideas about what kind of services and support would actually be helpful. This includes their views on new approaches, like special clinics where people can use drugs more safely.

To do this, the study has two main parts. First, researchers will look at lots of existing research and reports from all over the world to see what has already been said about this topic. Second, and crucially, they will speak directly with people experiencing homelessness who use drugs. By gathering these firsthand experiences, the study hopes to find out what genuinely matters to this group and what changes they believe are necessary to improve their lives and reduce the risk of drug-related harm.

Key takeaways

Hear directly from people affected by homelessness and drug use.
Understand needs for reducing drug-related harms in Scotland.
Help shape future support services and policies.
Involves a one-hour interview about your experiences and ideas.
Receive a £20 voucher for your time.
Your views could make a real difference.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You also need to be experiencing homelessness now, or have been homeless in the last six months. Importantly, you should also be using street drugs, and either currently inject drugs or have had an overdose before.

Lastly, you must live in one of these areas of Scotland: Lothian, Glasgow, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Lanarkshire, Grampian, Ayrshire and Arran, or Highland. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently experiencing homelessness, or have you in the last six months?
Do you use street drugs (inject or have a history of overdose)?
Do you live in Lothian, Glasgow, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Lanarkshire, Grampian, Ayrshire and Arran, or Highland?
Are you able to understand information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be asked to take part in an interview. This interview will be done in person, at a time and place that is convenient for you. It's designed to last for up to one hour. During the interview, you'll be asked about your hopes for the future and what you think would help you manage your drug use. The researchers want to hear your views on different types of support and services. There are no medications involved, and it's a one-off interview.

Potential risks and benefits

A benefit of taking part is that you will receive a £20 voucher as a thank you for your time. More importantly, your experiences and ideas could help shape new and better support services for people across Scotland, making a real difference in the lives of others. Talking about your experiences might sometimes feel difficult or upsetting, but the research team is very experienced and can connect you with local services that can offer support if you need it. Remember, you can choose to stop participating at any time.

Locations (1)

University of Edinburgh
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland

Common questions

What is the study trying to find out?

It wants to know what people experiencing homelessness who use drugs think is needed to reduce drug-related deaths and improve support.

Who is eligible to take part?

Adults (18+) who are homeless (or recently were), use street drugs (inject or have overdosed), and live in specific Scottish regions.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll take part in a one-hour, in-person interview about your experiences and ideas for support.

Will I get paid for my time?

Yes, you will receive a £20 voucher as a thank you for participating.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh.

How to find out more

Richard Lowrie

richard.lowrie@ed.ac.uk +44 7971827565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.