Stigma is stopping an evidence based response to drug overdose deaths in the UK

The number of people in the UK dying from drug overdose is rising, with over 4000 deaths in 2021.1 Many countries have introduced drug consumption rooms—also known as supervised injection sites or overdose prevention sites—to help prevent fatal overdoses,2 but the UK government remains opposed. Drug consumption rooms are facilities where people can use drugs under the supervision of staff or trained volunteers who can provide emergency care such as oxygen or the opioid reversal drug naloxone in response to an overdose. They can also facilitate access to other health and social services.3Although the UK government cites legal and evidential barriers to introducing drug consumption rooms, these difficulties have been overcome elsewhere. This suggests that opposition is underpinned by entrenched and society-wide stigma towards drug use and people who use drugs.1Evidence supports benefitScientific consensus on the efficacy of consumption rooms is growing after 30 years of global experience.34 Consumption rooms…
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