Drug consumption rooms

Tuesday, 23 May 2006 08:59

Treatment Agency: New drugs treatments must be cost effective

Tuesday, 23, May 2006 12:00

The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has argued that any new drugs policy should be "evidence based and cost effective", after a report released today recommended the setting up of drugs consumption rooms (DRCs).

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report argued DRCs would provide a space for drug users to inject in hygienic and supportive conditions.

But an NTA spokesman said that although he did support the use of supervised consumption facilities for legally prescribed medications, such as the current pilots on medical heroin prescription for drug addiction, the legal status of DRCs for illegal drugs was not clear.

"Any new treatment provision must be evidence based and cost effective. Further evidence is needed that there would be enough demand for drug consumption rooms to justify the use of scarce resources, when funding could be better spent on other treatment services," he added.

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

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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.