EMCDDA webinar: Drug consumption rooms in Europe — current practices and future scenarios

Objective: The main aim of this webinar is to inform discussions on drug consumption rooms (DCRs), by reviewing current models and their characteristics. We will present three well-established examples from different European countries and discuss possible future scenarios with the speakers.

Background: In a previous webinar, we learnt that DCRs are fixed or mobile spaces in which people who use drugs are provided with sterile drug use equipment, and can use illicit drugs under the supervision of trained staff. These services exist in several European countries, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the USA, and are usually located in previous open drug scene areas. The primary goal of DCRs is to reduce morbidity and mortality by providing a safer drug-use environment, as well as training, for clients. Other objectives may include providing a conduit to other care services and reducing public nuisance. Reference will be made in the webinar to an EMCDDA miniguide on drug consumption rooms.

In conversation with:
- Roberto Perez Gayo, European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms
- Ester Aranda, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo
- Viktor Mravčík, Podane Ruce
- Marylin Pohler, Ragazza e.V.

Chairperson: Marie Jauffret-Roustide (INSERM).

Opening and closing remarks: Alexis Goosdeel, EMCDDA Director.

Format: EMCDDA opening remarks, panellists’ questions, guided discussion, Q&A.

Length: 1.5 hours.

Date: Wednesday 8 May 2024, 12.00–13.30 Lisbon time (WEST), 13.00–14.30 (CEST).