19-06-2006

Injecting Rooms

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Drug Consumption Rooms (PDF Doc)
Summary report of the Independent Working Group

“Drug Consumption rooms (DCRs) are places where dependent drug users are allowed to bring their illegally obtained drugs and take them in supervised hygenic conditions. There are approximately 65 DCRs in operation in eight countries around the world but there are none in the UK.

The Independent Working Group (IWG) on Drug Consumption Rooms was set up to address the question of whether DCRs would have a significant impact on drug-related problems in the UK and whether they should be trialled in this country. Over a 20 month period, the IWG reviewed the growing body of evidence, commissioned research where there were significant gaps, visited DCRs abroad and heard from relevant witnesses.

The IWG has concluded that DCRs are a rational and overdue extension to the harm reduction policy that has produced substantial individual and public benefits in the UK over the last 2 decades. DCRs offer a unique and promising way to work with the most problematic users, in order to reduce the risk of overdose, improve their health and lessen the damage and costs to society. The IWG therefore recommends that pilot DCRs are set up and evaluated in the uk.”

What do you think?

Reply here with your views, name, initial or tag name. You may also like to say whether you or people you know have experience of using drugs, or you work with people who do.

 


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Link to BBC News

Link to Crime Reduction.Gov


Link to Guardian Unlimited

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