David Phillips continues the debate on drug consumption rooms

Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) were implemented for drugs users as a way of bringing and using their illegally obtained drugs, in a controlled, less hazardous environment. Supposedly offering a “unique and promising way” to lessen the number of deaths by overdose as well as number of needles in public areas, the use of DCRs in the UK is being considered by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Independent Working Group.

Their organisation The Independent Working Group on Drug Consumption Rooms was created solely for the purpose of assessing the necessity, efficiency of this scheme if it was to be trialled in the UK (focussing on the UK solely because its consistently top when it comes to the highest drug related deaths).They have conducted an investigation over a period of 20 months, reviewing the evidence, extensive research in the more vague areas and collected accounts from a number of people affiliated with DCR’s abroad.

The IWG in conclusion decided that DCRs were a sensible addition to the harm reduction policy and their benefits were substantial. Already situated in 8 countries, 65 DCRs are currently in action, despite clear success theses countries, (out of millions of injections of potentially dangerous illicit drugs, there has only been one casualty) the UK is yet to trial any DCRs.

As you can see there are numerous advantages that would make allowing DCRs in the UK an easy decision. Yes, they are proven to reduce deaths, yes there are controlled conditions and the number of syringes left in public places are reduced; despite all this, do you really want there to be promoting the use of drugs? Do you want to promote the buying of illegal drugs?

As a young person I myself have experienced how easily youth of today can be influenced by their peers, the media and passing ‘fads’. By implementing DCRs, it is likely that a lot of young people may take it as a message of “It’s okay to use drugs”. As much as people may think it would help reduce deaths, it would be the start of a more casual outlook on illegal drugs, maybe even developing into the legalization of them.

My opinion, DCRs regardless of the benefits are not ready to be used in the UK, maybe with a bit of tuning and time, they could be used as an effective way of reducing the extent of drugs related deaths.