U.K.’s First Drug Consumption Center Is Set to Open in Glasgow
Europe|Britain’s First Drug Consumption Center Is Set to Open in Glasgow
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/world/europe/drug-consumption-room-glasgow-uk.html
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Scotland, which has the highest rate of recorded drugs deaths in Europe, is launching a new facility for users to inject illegal drugs under medical supervision.
A facility where users can inject drugs under nurses’ supervision is set to open in Glasgow on Monday after almost a decade of debate over how to deal with the city’s unwanted status as a European capital for narcotic-related deaths.
Offering hot drinks and a lounge with sofas, as well as booths for injections, the Safer Drug Consumption Facility is the first of its kind in Britain and follows similar initiatives in other cities around the world, including New York.
Those using the facility, which has been named the Thistle in a reference to a national emblem of Scotland, will bring their own drugs. Staff will not administer injections but will be on hand to monitor safety.
How will the drug consumption room work?
The new facility, which will operate throughout the year, has a reception and waiting area, a separate space with individual booths where injecting can take place, a recovery area and an aftercare area where advice will be offered by charities and support organizations.
Users will have access to clean syringes, needles and swabs, and will be allocated one of eight booths.
