This resource provides an overview of key issues related to drug consumption rooms, including service delivery, guidance and existing evidence and latest developments in Europe. It also considers implications for policy and practice.

In a nutshell
Service aims usually include:

• reducing morbidity and mortality,
• referral to other care services,
• reducing public nuisance,
• engaging people with high-risk patterns of use.

Target population:

• people who are not able or willing to stop consuming drugs and engage in risky drug use behaviours,
• people who use drugs with limited opportunities for hygienic injection or inhalation.

Services which may be provided:

• professional supervision of consumption,
• a safer environment for drug use,
• provision of sterile or hygienic injecting and smoking equipment,
• emergency intervention in overdoses that occur on-site,
• counselling services,
• primary medical care,
• advice or training for clients in safer forms of drug use, overdose awareness and the use of naloxone,
• opioid agonist treatment,
• referral of clients to appropriate social, healthcare and treatment services,
• refreshments, use of a phone, Wi-Fi, and the possibility to shower and wash clothes.