Paisley woman ‘lost count’ of how many people she has lost to street valium

Elizabeth Holmes, 27, said it was 'horrible watching people die all the time’ while growing up and is now speaking out following a spike of recent deaths in her area.

It comes after three people she knew in her community lost their lives in January with police now probing if drugs were involved.

Soon after the tragic loss urgent advice was issued to residents across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area warning how fatal non-prescribed benzodiazepines such as etizolam – also known as 'street valium' can be.

Elizabeth said it is ‘horrible’ watching the people you care about ‘dance with death’ as they are ‘stuck’ on the deadly blue tablets.

Elizabeth said: “It’s horrible watching people I have grown up with die all the time.

“I’ve lost count of the number of people I know who have died because of street Valium now.

“It’s scary to think of people who I know, who I genuinely care about, are still stuck taking these tablets.

“I also know people who are not addicted to them, but mess about with them from time to time.

“When they are drunk and not making good decisions, they are dancing with death as well.

“When I was about 16 a load of people I knew died of them in the space of a few months and it’s horrible that there is no help for people.”

Elizabeth believes targeting mental health services may help the problem by claiming addicts usually turn to drugs to soothe their trauma.

She believes giving drug users the option between ‘cold turkey’ and a fix can seem impossible leaving them feeling helpless.

Now in a bid to ‘stick up’ for those who want to recover, Elizabeth is trying to break the stigma that calls them ‘bad’.

Elizabeth is speaking out

She added: “Addiction issues stem from mental health issues and trauma so if they can’t get help for the root cause they can’t help themselves.

“They know that taking the tablet can kill them, but going cold turkey can kill them too, so what choice do they have?

“It’s a joke and a shame on people, nobody asks for an addiction problem.

“It’s hard to talk about people dying with drugs because the public opinion is that it’s their own fault.

“Sticking up for people Is hard, but I know it’s right.

“These people were once children who suffered trauma, neglect, and abuse then grew up suffering more.

“They are coping the only way they know how.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership have now convened a Problem Assessment Group (PAG) – made up of experts from health and other services – to ensure early action is taken to minimise the risk of further deaths.

People who use drugs and those who may know someone who does are being asked to be particularly aware of the risk of overdose.

Detective Superintendent Gerry McBride said: "Police Scotland fully supports the messaging provided by Public Health Scotland in respect of these recent deaths and are continuing to support the families of those who have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the causes of death in each of the cases and whether any suspected drug involvement is involved.

"We also ask for the support of the public and community in coming forward with any information in relation to the incidents and that may be of relevance to the investigations. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111"