Interview with Jason Farrell on DCRs

DCRs Expert Interview Series; Jason Farrell -  International Consultant

What is your opinion on drug consumption rooms?

"My opinion is they are useful and serve a good purpose"

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

"Yes when provided as part of a comprehensive public health service"

Please specify what problems drug consumption rooms could solve.

"Drug consumption rooms (DCR) minimize public use of drugs, drug users overdosing and prevention the spread of HIV and HCV.  DCRs also connect drug users to higher threshold services such as health care, drug treatment, mental health services and other support systems."

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

"DCRs are best utilized when located in areas where drug users regularly frequent.  The location should be convient and respectful of drug users anonymity and personal safety."

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

"In cases where public use and injecting of drugs is a community problem a DCR can be a welcomed service.  Local police recommended the first injection room in Sydney Australia because they were finding drug users overdosed or unconscious in the neighborhood.  When presented correctly to local businesses and residents a DCR can be an accepted way to clean up the neighborhood and get drug users help they need. " 

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

"The local government should invest in DCRs as well as drug treatment programs and medical centre’s.  All are important parts of a comprehensive network for providing services for drug users.  The DCR is an entry point connecting drug users to such services."

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

"Each city and country has their own obstacles.  Initially it can be laws preventing such projects.  In other cases it is funding.  However when people understand it is not about using drugs, it is about preventing infections and overdose.  More importantly it is about connecting people who are not interested or motivated to care for themselves to the services they desperately need.  Ultimately saving the taxpayers and government millions of dollars in medical care costs." 

Photo source: Plateforme Mondiale SCMR - Global Platform DCR