We can, as a city, show our support for a more humane and less stigmatising drug policy. Drug addiction is a publicScottish Greens have welcomed the publication of a new report from the UK Home Affairs Committee which calls for a range of drug policy reforms, including a review of drug classifications and the piloting of safe consumption rooms. This is an important report that underlines the urgent need for change to address rising drug-related harms among people who inject drugs.
Recently, many countries including the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, Uruguay, Spain, and Australia have adopted an approach to drugs policy that includes a focus on harm reduction. Through the provision of a pilot safer drug consumption facility, there can be a focus on harm reduction and the prevention of drug-related overdose deaths. Drug users can access sterile injecting equipment, the provision of counselling services before, during and after drug consumption as well as emergency care in the event of overdose. There is support available to access primary medical care and a referral to appropriate social healthcare and addiction treatment services.
They can provide a way forward in drug treatment and offer hope and relief for many people and families who have had their lives impacted by drug misuse.