Streamed live on 3 Dec 2024, 2024 EHRC - 6th European Harm Reduction Conference, Warsaw, 2024. [1.37 hours]

For more than 30 years, Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) have been implemented in Western countries. These services, typically aim to reduce overdose-related morbidity and mortality, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and provide access to a broad range of medical and social support services. As frontline, low-threshold services, DCRs are also often among the first sites where insights into new drug use patterns and they therefore play an important role in the early identification of new and emerging drug trends. In addition, DCRs may also have the objective of reducing drug use in public and to improve public amenities.

In some countries, DCRs are a well-established and integrated component in responses to drug-related problems. Additionally, a substantial body of practical experience and research evidence has accumulated to support its effectiveness in achieving public health and safety. Yet, the scale of DCR implementation still varies considerably worldwide as they remain contested measures, particularly at the level of political and public debates.

From a legal point of view, international conventions allow flexibility in the establishment of DCRs when national legislation acknowledges these facilities as part of a public health, harm-reduction strategy. However, in many countries, the operation and continuity of DCRS require adaptations to their legislative, judicial and/or administrative frameworks. Also, they face multiple political, cultural, economic and ethical obstacles, as well as community and public opinion debates.

This session aims to contribute to an informed discussion about DCRs, by presenting the available evidence, reviewing the various models being adopted and their characteristics, as well as (legal) preconditions and considerations that would allow this public health service to be integrated and balanced continuum of drug policy initiatives.

Potential partners: European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms, Queen’s University, EMCDDA, EuroNPUD

Moderator: Roberto Perez Gayo

Discussant: Peter Krykant, Release Drugs, Trustee

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