EMCDDA webinar: Drug consumption rooms in Europe — different realities, challenges and what to expect from the future

Objective: The main objective of this webinar is to provide an overview of the different types of drug consumptions rooms (DCRs) in Europe. It will describe the challenges and current reality, as well as look towards the future and consider how this service could adapt and evolve.

Background: DCRs are available in some countries. They offer a fixed or mobile space where people who use drugs are provided with sterile injection equipment and where they can use illicit drugs under the supervision of trained staff. These rooms aim to reduce the risks of unhygienic use, prevent overdoses and link people who use drugs with treatment, health and social services (see Spotlight on… Drug consumption rooms). DCRs are also designed to reach people who use drugs but who do not engage with other health services, especially marginalised people who inject opioids on the street, in risky and unhygienic conditions. They provide a number of services that may contribute to a reduction in overdose deaths among people who use substances, including directly intervening in overdoses that occur on-site and promoting engagement in treatment. Some services provide overdose prevention awareness raising and training, including in the use of naloxone.

A conversation with:

1. Athanasios Theocharis, President, BD ΟΚΑΝΑ, Athens
2. Roberta Reis and Paulo Caldeira, Ares do Pinhal, Associação para a Inclusão Social, Lisbon
3. Noelia Girona, Coordinació REDAN, CAS Baluard, Barcelona

Chairperson: Iciar Indave, EMCDDA

Opening and closing remarks: Alexis Goosdeel, Director EMCDDA

Format: EMCDDA opening remarks, panellists’ questions, guided discussion, Q&A

Participants will answer to the following questions:

• DCRs − what are they? Current reality from ‘old and new’ DCRs in Europe
• What are the main facilitating factors and obstacles in implementing and running a DCR?
• What do you think is the future of DCRs?

Q&A

Length: 1.5 hours

Participants: The webinar is open to all upon registration, after which the person will receive a link to connect.

Date: 2 June 2022, 13.00-14.30 Lisbon time (14.00-15.30 CET).

Platform: Zoom

A recording of this webinar is available in our Media library.