How do you feel about Drug Rooms?

Copenhagen has taken an interesting swing on the drug war. For the past year they have piloted a program offering "drug rooms" to drug addicts. In these rooms, addicts can bring their own drugs and  access clean needles, cleaning solutions, clean areas to inject their drug of choice as well as healthcare professionals they can approach for questions, worries or concerns. Drugs are still considered illegal but those who use these drug rooms are not arrested for possession.While this may seem way out of societal norms we have become used to; they have noted that this approach brings a population in need to healthcare, reducing drug use related infections and negative effects. It also allows them judgement free access to resources they would otherwise not use at all. They have noted a tenfold drop in drug related litter, street fights and burglaries since inception of the drug rooms. It seems this trend may be growing as the UK has tried this approach as well in a few areas. The interesting phenomenon that also has been noted is that in bringing addicts together, subjects such as increased discussion of desire to join rehabilitation programs.

They also note to drug deaths onsite even though they have had over 100 onsite overdoses.

Fascinating? Yes! Sometimes the answer to a problem isn't quite the one we expect it to be. Is this the solution to the war on drugs? Probably not but if it helps, why not embrace it. I can come up with MANY strong arguments for and against this approach to dealing with this particular problem. What are your thoughts? Food for Thought.

See original article here