Drug consumption rooms

Tuesday, 23 May 2006 08:59

DrugScope: Injection rooms deserves serious consideration

Tuesday, 23, May 2006 12:00

Drugs’ charity DrugScope has welcomed today's report calling for drug consumption rooms (DCRs) to be set up in Britain.

Chief executive Martin Barnes said the policy deserves "serious consideration", however "controversial" it may seem.

He said international evidence in favour of piloting DCRs was "strong" and "persuasive", arguing they could save lives, improve health and raise communities' quality of life.

"2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of needle exchange schemes in the UK which did so much to ensure that we have among the lowest drug-related HIV rates in Europe,” Mr Barnes said.

“However, we need to do more: drug-related hepatitis C infection rates are unacceptably high, HIV infection rates are increasing and many drug related deaths are preventable."

He added: "This carefully considered report will test the extent to which we are able to have an informed, rational and calm debate about drugs policy and reducing drug-related harms."

Crisis: Drug consumption rooms must link with support

Cameron: I wouldn't rule out shooting galleries

Lib Dems: Drug consumption rooms not the answer

Treatment Agency: New drugs treatments must be cost effective

Drugs foundation: Government’s drug policy is irresponsible

Home Office: Drug consumption rooms will harm communities

DrugScope: Injection rooms deserves serious consideration

JRF: Drug consumption rooms would benefit whole society

Recent Debates

Climate change talks
World nations are meeting in Poznan, Poland, for a fortnight of negotiations on a climate treaty to succeed the Kyoto protocol. PEGIGWC: Don't hide behind credit crunch UNFCCC: Expect disappointment

Tory arrest
Damien Green, shadow immigration minister, was arrested last night and had his home, constituency offices and Westminster offices searched by counter terrorism officers. Tories: Green denies wrongdoing Met: Decision taken without ministerial advice Green: I was astonished to be arrested

School leaving age
The age at which teenagers remain in compulsory education or training will be increased from 16 to 18 over the next seven years, starting this week. Tories: Badly thought out policy Voice: A potential minefield Labour: For a fair society

Cannabis reclassification
Cannabis will become a class B drug again after the last opportunity for opponents to stop reclassification failed in the House of Lords. Home Office: Reclassification deters users

Opinion Formers

BNTL Freeway

BNTL is an organisation seeking to promote healthy drug-free life styles and to inform on the effect of alcohol and drugs on individuals and communities.