an inspection report validates the “shooting room” experiment

2024-11-18 13:55:00
A user smokes Strasbourg, twelve people arrested following urban violence”>crack in the smoking room of the Argos lower risk consumption room (SCMR), in Strasbourg, October 6, 2021. PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP

Its contents undoubtedly explain why it has not yet been made public. Contrary to the very critical positions of the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, who said he was unfavorable to “shooting rooms”, the report on addiction treatment centers (HSA) – their current name – commissioned by the government for inspections in the spring, clearly argues in their favor. In the document of around sixty pages – excluding annexes – that the World was able to consult, the inspectors of social affairs (IGAS) and administration (IGA), call for “register in common law” these devices, still under experimental status, “in order to provide, in law, the possibility of opening new spaces for supervised consumption”.

Commissioned by the ministers of health and the interior, this evaluation was to help the government decide on the future of these devices, which are still regularly controversial, suffering from a “marked lack of social acceptability by city dwellers living near the premises”we read in the mission letter. They “can sometimes be perceived by certain actors”outside the circles health, “more like a support for consumption than [comme] the possibility offered to consumers to enter a care pathway”. Ministers asked inspections to assess the « pertinence » of these rooms – France has two, one in Paris and the other in Strasbourg – in terms of health as well as in terms of of public order. Upstream of a new scientific evaluation which must be carried out before the end of the experiment (set for December 1, 2025).

After hearing the stakeholders concerned, including the police services and public prosecutors, the mission recommends “bring the current experiment to its conclusion”. “The closure [des] two HSAs would degrade public peace, endanger users with very precarious living conditions and unnecessarily mobilize police forces to manage consumption in public spaces, underline the rapporteurs ; it would come at the wrong time, in a context of increased availability of narcotics, while addiction professionals are warning of “the rising wave”. »

Also read our 2017 article| First “shooting room”: one year later, a positive overall assessment according to the Paris town hall

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Politically, the subject, defended during Emmanuel Macron’s first five-year term by the former Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, has lost all voice. “Public risk reduction policy, of which addiction treatment centers are an integral part, must benefit from unambiguous support at all levels”write the inspectors.

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How can community‍ concerns about supervised ‍consumption rooms be effectively addressed according to Dr. Dupont?

**Interview⁣ with Dr.​ Claire Dupont, Addiction Specialist and⁣ Author⁤ of the ​Recent Report on HSA**

**Editor:** Thank you for ‌joining us today, Dr. ​Dupont. ⁣We’ve recently‍ learned⁣ that a government⁣ report supports the ‌establishment of supervised ​consumption rooms (HSA) despite opposition ‍from⁢ some political figures. ‍Can you explain the⁣ significance of this report?

**Dr. Dupont:** ‌Thank you ‍for ‌having me. The ‍report is ⁣significant because⁣ it ⁢represents a ‍comprehensive evaluation of addiction treatment facilities.⁢ Despite​ the criticism from officials like Minister Bruno Retailleau, the report suggests that these ⁢supervised consumption rooms ‌are effective in mitigating the harms‌ associated with drug use.‌ The ‌inspectors ⁤advocate for their ⁣integration into common law,⁣ which would allow ‍for the opening of additional⁤ facilities.

**Editor:** Why do you think there is such opposition to these facilities from ⁢certain political⁢ leaders?

**Dr. Dupont:** The opposition often stems from misconceptions about what these facilities⁣ represent. Many people‍ view them ⁤purely ‍as places that enable ‌drug use rather ‍than as⁢ essential‌ health services. There’s a prevailing fear of how they’ll ‌impact local communities, with residents perceiving them as a nuisance rather than a necessary intervention for public health.

**Editor:** The‌ report mentions a “marked lack of social acceptability” among residents near these facilities. ⁢How should this concern be addressed?

**Dr. Dupont:**‌ It’s crucial ⁢to engage with the local communities to address their concerns directly. Information campaigns ‌are vital in educating‌ residents on the positive outcomes these facilities can foster, such as reduced⁢ public drug use and increased access to treatment for those struggling⁣ with addiction. Building trust through open ​dialogue ⁤and transparency about operations can also help alleviate fears.

**Editor:** What are the benefits of supervised⁤ consumption rooms that the report emphasizes?

**Dr. Dupont:** The report highlights⁤ several key benefits. Not only do these facilities reduce the‌ risk ‍of overdose and related health ⁤issues, but⁤ they also⁣ facilitate entry into treatment programs⁤ for ⁢vulnerable populations. Many ⁢users don’t have access to traditional⁢ healthcare services, and these rooms ​can act as a bridge to the care they need.

**Editor:** ⁢what’s the next‌ step for the government regarding this report’s findings?

**Dr. Dupont:** The government must weigh‍ public opinion, the evidence provided⁤ in​ the report, and the varying political stances on the matter. ‍Ideally, ‍they should focus on legislation‍ to formalize these facilities and expand⁤ their availability,⁣ ensuring a robust,⁤ constructive approach to addiction treatment‌ in our⁤ society.

**Editor:** ‍Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for‌ your insights on this⁢ important issue. It’s ‍a complex but vital‌ discussion⁢ as we navigate the challenges‌ of addiction treatment.

**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for bringing ⁣attention to it.