The government has said that thousands of lives could be saved through the use of AI, virtual reality and wearable tech designed to reduce the number of drug-related deaths.

It plans to invest £12 million in projects across the UK that aim to support people with addictions.

One of the projects is PneumoWave ALERT, which pairs a chest-worn sensor that monitors breathing to a mobile device that sends out an immediate alert to nearby antidote carriers and emergency services if an overdose is detected.

Another study will look at using virtual reality to help people overcome their triggers for cocaine addiction.

People will be assessed using watch-like devices to determine which cues in their environment lead to a drug craving, by measuring physical changes to the body.

Virtual reality will then be used to create realistic situations to repeatedly expose people to triggers in a safe environment.

The government says that previous research shows cue exposure treatment (CET) can significantly reduce the level of craving and relapse among alcoholics, however it has not yet been fully explored for people experiencing a cocaine addiction until now.

Several of the projects are based in Scotland, which currently has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe.

These include a wristband to monitor vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate and body temperature, which is being run by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Fife.

If an overdose is suspected, the wristband, named “Saving Sam”, will send out an alert to a trusted contact.

The technology could be expanded to other locations across the UK if it is successful.

"Drug addiction devastates lives and rips apart families, and this government is committed to gripping this problem," said minister for public health and prevention, Andrew Gwynne.
"We’re determined to harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to save thousands of lives across the country. I want the UK to lead the way in championing innovation to end the harmful effects of addiction."

The technology and health departments also say that the funding will help support research to improve the accessibility of the life-saving drug naloxone.

Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin and opioid overdose but is typically available as an injection or nasal spray which have limitations and cannot always be used in time.

Kings College London is looking into naloxone wafers which melt in the mouth and provide rapid access to this emergency medicine and can fit easily in a wallet or purse.

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