Scotland, the first legal drug consumption room in the United Kingdom opens

Scotland, with more than 1,300 deaths a year, holds the tragic European record for drug overdose victimsand in Glasgow, which has seen the number of deaths increase dramatically, the situation is particularly critical. On average, three Scots die every day from overdoses: it is a health and social emergency that has forced local authorities to look for effective and alternative solutions.

Thus, after ten years of political and social battles, tomorrow (Monday 13 January), Glasgow opens its first legal drug consumption loungeThistle, a pilot project marking a new direction in UK health policy.

This is not a rehabilitation center, but a safe place where people who use drugs can do so under the supervision of professionals healthcare. This centre, which will operate 365 days a year from 9am to 9pm, offers a space where users can inject drugs in a protected environment, thus reducing the risks associated with the use of substances in unsafe and dangerous places. In a context in which the war on drugs has not led to the desired results, Thistle wants to embody a new philosophy: reduce harm, not punish.

Dr. Saket Priyadarshi, medical director of Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Servicesexplains that this initiative should not be considered the definitive solution to the overdose death crisis. «It’s another part of a system of care, another piece of the puzzle that answers a very complex problem».

But there is no shortage of criticism from those who believe that investing in a structure like the Thistle, which can only accommodate a limited number of people, is an ineffective action, also considering the serious shortages of funds that afflict the healthcare system. In this regard, Priyadarshi replied: «I don’t understand why we should deny resources to a group of people with very high mortality. If I were the head of an oncology department, they wouldn’t ask me these questions. Why then should I receive them as responsible for drug policies?”.

At Thistle, access is simple and discreet: you don’t need to provide your full name. After an interview with the healthcare personnel, the user will be accompanied to one of the eight injection boothsdesigned to ensure an appropriate balance between privacy and medical supervision. Each room is equipped with inclined mirrors, so that healthcare professionals can monitor the user without invading his privacy. The environment is reminiscent of a spa: comfortable chairs, books and games, so users can relax after taking drugs. Every detail has been thought of to meet the needs of vulnerable people, and the design itself takes into account the suggestions of a group of former drug addicts.

“If we want to reach this population, we need to make sure that the service is truly different,” added Priyadarshi. «Many people have had negative experiences with conventional healthcare services, therefore every element, from the language used to the type of welcome, must be designed to put them at ease».

Supervision at Thistle is not intrusive, but is based on the experience of other facilities that provide drugs such as pharmaceutical heroin. Healthcare professionals aim not only to ensure the safety of consumers, but also to connect with them, so as to offer 360-degree support, which goes beyond drug use and touches on other issues such as health and housing. Lynn Macdonald, head of the service, said: «The key will be the relationship we build. Our job is to make people feel safe and can trust us.”