UK's first drug consumption room to open in Glasgow

The first safe drug consumption room in the UK will open in Glasgow in January, the council has confirmed.

The facility will allow drug users to take illegal substances under medical supervision with the hopes they will seek further support to tackle their addiction.

It was hoped the facility would open last year, but final checks to the water and ventilation systems pushed its opening back.

Located on Hunter Street in the city’s east end, the facility – known as the Thistle – will open on January 13 and operate between 9am and 9pm, 365 days a year.

Councillor Allan Casey, convener for addiction services at Glasgow City Council, said: “We have been pushing for a safer drug consumption facility for some time.

“It’s a welcome relief to know we can finally have people in to access the service and support available within the Thistle.

“We know from all the other safer drug consumption rooms in operation across the world that they do make a difference.”

Scotland has the highest number of drug-related deaths in Europe.

Figures in August showed that the number of people who died in Scotland due to drugs increased by 12% between 2022 and 2023.

However, despite the rise, the figures represented Scotland's second lowest number of drug-related deaths since 2017.

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Opioid drugs – such as heroin and methadone – were implicated in 80% of all drugs deaths last year.

While the idea of a drugs consumption room was first proposed in 2016 following an HIV outbreak in the city, its development was embroiled in years of political wrangling between the Scottish and UK governments.

But in 2023, Scotland’s Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC announced it would not be “in the public interest” to prosecute people using such a facility.

The pilot project is in the same building as a current drug treatment facility and was approved by the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board in September 2023.

Do you or someone you know struggle with drug misuse or addiction? Here are some places to find support...

Frank - The Talk to Frank website can help find support near you. They can also help talk you through options on their helpline: 0300 123 6600.

Turning Point - Health and social care services in England for people with a learning disability. Also supports people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse or unemployment.

We Are With You - Support for drug, alcohol or mental health problems, and their family and friends.

Adfam - Information and support for friends and family of people with drug or alcohol problems.

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