Crisis: Drug consumption rooms must link with support

Tuesday, 23, May 2006 12:00

Homeless charity Crisis has said that if drug consumption rooms (DCRs) are implemented, they must be accompanied by appropriate support services.

DCRs were recommended in a Joseph Rowntree Foundation report today, to provide drug addicts with a supportive and hygienic place in which to inject.

Ruth Runciman, chair of the panel who wrote the report, drew particular attention to the "substantial population of homeless drug users" who inject in public places, causing distress to local communities.

But a Crisis spokeswoman said: "Homeless people face a range of complex problems, addiction is sometimes, but not always, one of them.

“If drug consumption rooms are to be of use to homeless people with an addiction problem, they must also be able to link people to addiction advice and other support services that they may need.

“There also needs to be more drug rehabilitation, housing and other support available for those who are coming off drugs."