UK’s first Safe Drug Consumption Room to open in Glasgow on January 13

The United Kingdom’s first safe drug consumption room is set to open in Glasgow on January 13, 2025. This long-awaited facility aims to provide a secure environment where drug users can take illegal substances under medical supervision. Known as “The Thistle,” it hopes to encourage people struggling with addiction to seek additional support and services to address their drug use.

A facility designed to save lives

Located on Hunter Street in the east end of Glasgow, The Thistle will operate every day of the year, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Final preparations, such as tests for water and ventilation systems, delayed the opening, which was originally planned for last year. With these issues resolved, the center will begin welcoming individuals in January.

Councillor Allan Casey, who oversees addiction services at Glasgow City Council, expressed his satisfaction that the project is finally ready. “We are obviously delighted that the required tests have now concluded and the facility can open,” he said. Casey emphasized that the consumption room has been a priority for the council, given its potential to make a significant difference. “We know from other safer drug consumption rooms operating worldwide that they save lives and improve outcomes for people affected by addiction,” he added.

The idea of establishing such a facility in Glasgow was first proposed in 2016, following an HIV outbreak in the city linked to drug use. However, the project faced numerous delays due to political disagreements between the Scottish and UK governments. Critics argued over its legality and practicality, with some raising concerns about whether it would enable drug use instead of tackling the root causes.

A breakthrough came in 2023 when Scotland’s Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, stated that prosecuting individuals using the facility would not be “in the public interest.” This decision cleared the way for the project to proceed. Approval was granted in September 2023 by the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board, which manages health and social care services in the region. The facility is housed in the same building as an existing drug treatment center, making it a one-stop location for various addiction support services.

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Government support and funding

The Scottish Government has backed the project financially, providing £2.3 million for its implementation. Health Secretary Neil Gray praised the initiative, describing it as a vital step in addressing the country’s drug-related deaths crisis. “Evidence from over 100 facilities worldwide shows that safe consumption rooms save lives,” he noted.

Gray explained that The Thistle is part of a larger strategy to tackle addiction. This five-year, £250 million plan includes several measures, such as increasing access to residential rehabilitation programs and expanding the availability of life-saving tools like naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Additionally, the government is working to establish drug-checking services to ensure users can identify harmful substances in their drugs before consumption.

Safe drug consumption rooms have proven effective in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and several European nations. These facilities aim to reduce the risks associated with drug use, such as overdoses, the spread of infectious diseases, and unsafe disposal of needles. By offering a controlled environment, they also help connect users with healthcare providers and social services that can guide them toward recovery.

Proponents believe The Thistle will have a similar impact in Glasgow, a city that has struggled with high rates of drug-related deaths and addiction. They argue that providing a safe space for drug use is a more compassionate and effective approach than punitive measures, which often push users further into isolation.

As The Thistle prepares to open its doors, its success will be closely monitored. If it proves effective, it could serve as a model for similar facilities across the UK. Supporters hope that this initiative will not only save lives but also change perceptions about addiction, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction and supportive interventions over criminalization.

The opening of this facility marks a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to address the ongoing drug crisis. By combining innovative strategies with proven practices, Glasgow’s safe drug consumption room represents a bold step forward in improving public health and supporting those affected by addiction.