Interview with Peter Sarosi on DCRs

DCRs Expert Interview Series; Peter Sarosi - Drug Policy Program Director

Hungarian Civil Liberties Union

1.What is your opinion on drug consumption rooms?

"It is an innovative method to reduce the harms related to drug use and the drug policies – it provides a controlled environment in which people are able to use their drugs with minimal risks of overdose and infections. It is advisable to open such facilities in cities where there is an open drug scene, where the risk of overdoses and infections is high and where there is a good cooperation between public health services and law enforcement agencies. The decision to open and the implementation should be based on the assessment of needs and environment and should be carefully monitored and evaluated."

2.Do you think that drug consumption rooms are helpful for drug users? (Please detail…)

"Definitely – if they are operated in an appropriate way, they reduce the risk of death and disease, as well as conflicts with people in the neighborhood. The consumption room can be much more – it is connecting vulnerable and marginalized people with the society, it builds communities and can be a bridge to other services."

3.Please specify what problems could be solved by drug consumption rooms.

"Infections, overdose deaths, nuisance caused by open drug use."

4.In which area of the city do you think should be located such a place?

"Where there is an open drug use scene with a significant problem drug user community."

5.What perception would the community have on a drug consumption room in their area of living?

"There is a need to invest in community organizing and peer education to train peer leaders from the user community who can build partnership with the local non-user community. It is critical that the neighbors understand the benefits of the problem. Initial difficulties can be overcome after people see that the program effectively prevents drug related problems in the neighborhood."

6.Who should support the costs to open a drug consumption room?

"The local and national government."

7.From your experience, what were the obstacles in developing such a service.

"Restrictive drug laws, stigma and discrimination, prejudices in the local community, hostile law enforcement attitudes, lack of commitment and knowledge of local service providers."

Photo source: Plateforme Mondiale SCMR - Global Platform DCR