Drug consumption rooms in Glasgow: Forward’s view   

Forward Trust welcomes the decision to pilot a Drug Consumption Room in Glasgow. Scotland’s drug death crisis has been growing for many years, and policy makers and service providers must be brave in searching for solutions that save lives and start people on the journey to recovery.

Where drug consumption rooms have been introduced in other countries, there is evidence that they are effective in reducing drug overdose deaths, and the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis. Repeated studies have shown that they are an effective way of making existing drug users safer, and do not encourage the recruitment of new users.

Forward’s ‘theory of change’ service model acknowledges the need to accept that our client’s lives are often chaotic, and that it is unrealistic to expect them to change deeply ingrained behaviours immediately. People struggling with drug addiction require this immediate support and care, rather than condemnation and punishment. This gives them the opportunity to pause, reflect, and get advice on their situation. It is important that this front-line care is then followed by efforts to motivate and support people into meaningful treatment and recovery. Whilst it’s vital we address the tragic rise in drug overdose deaths, if the death rate is to be tackled in the long run, we must offer people more than emergency care – we must give them the chance of a different life free from drug addiction.