A REFORMED heroin addict from Taunton has told how his life has been saved several times after overdosing.

Trevor, 50, who has been clean for 10 years, was brought round on each occasion by being administered a nasal spray, which bought time before medical professionals arrived.

He now dedicates his life to helping make drug users safer and backs a scheme for police officers to carry the Nyxoid sprays, which contain Naloxene to reverse an opioid overdoses.

Trevor, an addict for over 20 years, said: "I know a lot of people who have died, but my life has been saved by this drug on several occasions.

“During my years of being addicted to heroin I've gone over on several occasions.

"I don’t remember a lot about those situations but have been told how authorities were called out and how being given Naloxone saved my life.

"There are countless people who have died and could have been saved if Naloxone were around more.

"The more it is in the communities and more people carry it on them, the more it can help.

"It might be the point that changes them and gives them a chance to try and get clean.”

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day (Wednesday, August 31), Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS), run by Turning Point and commissioned by Somerset County Council, is running training for local frontline PC and PCSO volunteers on carrying and using Nyxoid sprays.

It comes as figures show drug-related deaths in this country have risen 81.1 per cent between 2012 and 2021.

In Somerset, Naloxone is available from 15 community pharmacies and SDAS hubs in Taunton and Yeovil and distributed to appropriate SDAS service users, including family and friends.

Superintendent Dickon Turner said: “Avon and Somerset Police are working with partners to reduce the harm from drugs in our communities...so it makes complete sense for police officers and PCSOs to be in a position to save someone’s life by carrying Naloxone.

"Just like some other forces in the UK, we're asking for frontline staff to volunteer to carry Naloxone spray, which is being provided free by our local drug and alcohol support agency.”

In September, members of the public can register to attend free training with SDAS, where they will learn how to save a life by spotting the signs of opioid overdose and administering Naloxone safely.

For further details visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas or call 0300 3038788.