The mayor of Liège wants to “exfiltrate” drug addicts from the city centre: is his proposal coherent?

Willy Demeyer, the mayor of Liège, spoke this Wednesday morning on Bel RTL about his vision for addressing drug-related issues in cities. Among other proposals, he suggests establishing multidisciplinary centers on the outskirts where drug addicts could receive care. How would this work? Could this project be a viable solution? An analysis with industry professionals follows.

“Establish a national plan” to combat drugs in Belgian cities is what the mayor of Liège is advocating. To gain a better understanding of his proposal for multidisciplinary centers outside the cities, we reached out to his office.

This initiative aims to: “The mayor seeks inspiration from centers in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands to ensure that drug addicts are no longer present in public spaces. They would receive social and medical care and could stay overnight at these centers.“

A unique aspect of this project is that admission could be mandatory, meaning individuals might be compelled to seek treatment.

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“It’s more efficient”

The multidisciplinary integrated center for drug addicts is a facility that offers comprehensive care. Practically, an individual can receive accommodation, medical assistance, reintegration support, etc., all in one location.

“Establishing integrated centers is a positive step. Life on the streets and the vulnerability of these individuals create many challenges beyond drug use. Generally, when they need to be moved from one center to another, they often get lost in the process. Integrated centers are more effective and crucial,” says Michaël Hogge, project manager for the ASBL Eurotox (the socio-epidemiological observatory for alcohol and drugs in Wallonia and Brussels).

Coercion: good or bad idea?

While the specialist is inclined toward the idea of integrated centers, he expresses reservations about the coercive aspect. “Coerced assistance exists but is difficult to implement. Motivating individuals to engage in the care process can be challenging,” he notes.

In Belgium, depending on various circumstances, some drug addicts may be mandated to undergo treatment. In particular, “if the person poses a risk to themselves or to others,” states Véronique Godding, a physician specializing in addiction. However, like Michaël Hogge, she remains “skeptical” about the effectiveness of this approach.

Treating drug addicts like plague victims.

“It is very complex to treat someone who does not want help. Consider a young person addicted to a harmful substance that threatens their health. Their parents may petition a magistrate, who mandates hospitalization. If the treatment during this involuntary hospitalization proves unsuccessful, the young person often resumes their previous behavior immediately upon release,” adds Véronique Godding.

A “stigmatizing” solution

Beyond the potential ineffectiveness, Michaël Hogge emphasizes a “stigmatizing” approach: “This solution is akin to treating drug addicts like plague victims. It lacks inclusivity and excludes what we prefer not to see.“

He explains that the presence of drug addicts in urban areas is driven by specific factors: “There are resources available only in the city. If we relocate support services, we must motivate individuals to follow.“

Véronique Godding does not take as extreme a stance. She believes that establishing these centers on the outskirts is not the optimal solution: “The ideal approach would involve going to where the users are,” which means… in the city.

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“Strengthening the healthcare offering”

Whether in the city or on the outskirts, both experts agree on one point: “The provision of care for drug addicts must be strengthened.” Integrated centers are, in their view, an excellent solution, but it’s crucial to persuade those in need to access them.

“Much work is needed on motivation. Withdrawal can induce intense discomfort. There is a significant need for education and support,” continues Véronique Godding.

A first integrated center by 2026

The integrated centers highly praised by the specialists we interviewed already exist in other countries. By 2026, the first one is slated to open in Belgium, specifically in Brussels. This project, funded by the Brussels Region, will provide a comprehensive range of services to drug users, with no access conditions.

RTL info decryption Willy Demeyer drugs addicts integrated centers Liège Brussels

Willy Demeyer’s Vision for Combatting Drug Problems in Liège: Multidisciplinary Centres as a Solution

On Bel RTL this Wednesday, Willy Demeyer, the mayor of Liège, proposed a national strategy to combat drug-related issues in urban areas. Central to his vision is the creation of multidisciplinary centres located on the outskirts of cities, aimed at providing care and support for drug addicts. This article explores how this initiative could work, the viability of such a proposal, and key insights from professionals in the sector.

The Proposal: A National Plan Against Drugs

Mayor Demeyer envisions a comprehensive national plan to address the drug crisis in Belgium’s cities. He emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary centres similar to those successfully implemented in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. These centres would serve as safe havens for individuals struggling with addiction, offering various forms of medical and social support while helping to alleviate drug-related issues in public spaces.

Key Features of the Multidisciplinary Centres

• **Comprehensive Care**: These centres will provide housing, medical care, rehabilitation services, and support for social reintegration—all consolidated into a single facility.
• **Location**: Situated on the outskirts of cities, these centres aim to minimize the visibility of drug users in urban areas.
• **Coerced Admission**: In a controversial twist, the proposal suggests that admission to these centres may not always be voluntary—offering a pathway for medical intervention when individuals are deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Efficiency of Integrated Care Systems

Michaël Hogge, project manager at ASBL Eurotox, advocates for these integrated centres, noting their potential for improved outcomes:

“Setting up integrated centres is a good thing. Life on the streets and the fragility of some of these individuals lead to numerous challenges beyond drug use.”

The concept of these centres aims to address not just addiction, but the overall well-being of individuals who often struggle with multiple issues, including mental health and social integration.

Coercive Measures: A Double-Edged Sword?

The proposal for coerced assistance raises questions regarding its implementation and effectiveness. While some believe it may be necessary under certain conditions, experts like Véronique Godding express skepticism about its feasibility:

“It is complicated to treat someone who does not want to engage in the process. Forced treatment may yield temporary results but often leads to relapse once the individual is free again.”

The Challenges of Coercion

There are several challenges associated with coerced treatment:

• **Low Compliance Rates**: Individuals often struggle to adhere to treatment protocols when forced.
• **Short-Term Solutions**: Coercion may provide immediate results, but without genuine desire for recovery, long-term sustainability is at risk.
• **Potential Stigmatization**: This approach can further alienate individuals from seeking help voluntarily, reinforcing negative stereotypes about addiction.

The Stigmatizing Effect of Outskirts Centers

Michaël Hogge criticizes the plan, suggesting it perpetuates a ‘plague victim’ mentality towards people with addiction issues:

“This solution amounts to treating drug addicts like plague victims. It is exclusionary and does not address the root causes of their presence in urban areas.”

Professional insights indicate that the fundamental issue lies in addressing the social and economic factors that compel individuals to congregate in city centres, where resources are more accessible.

In-Location Strategies

Véronique Godding advocates for services that are directly accessible within urban environments:

“The solution would rather be to provide care where the users are, in the city, rather than attempting to funnel them to outlying areas.”

Enhancing Healthcare Offerings for Drug Addicts

Both experts underline the importance of strengthening available care for drug addicts, regardless of centre location:

• **Integrated Care**: Comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment can effectively address not only substance abuse but also associated health and social challenges.
• **Motivational Efforts**: Education and support are critical to encourage individuals to seek out and engage with available services.
• **Accessibility**: Services must be user-friendly and approachable to maximize engagement from those in need.

Looking Ahead: The First Integrated Centre by 2026

Excitement brews around the first integrated centre set to open in Brussels by 2026. Funded by the Brussels Region, this facility aims to provide a wide range of support services without conditional entry, acknowledging the importance of compassion and understanding in the recovery process. It aims to serve as a model for future centres throughout the country.

Benefits of Integrated Centres

• **Holistic Support**: Addressing the myriad needs of drug users through a single point of care can streamline treatment and improve outcomes.
• **Reduced Stigma**: Normalizing support and care in local communities can foster a more inclusive environment for those affected by addiction.
• **Community-Based Solutions**: Make recovery support a part of community fabric, potentially reducing drug overall dependence and health risks.

Practical Tips for Community Engagement

• **Education and Awareness**: Community campaigns can help inform the public about drug addiction and available resources, reducing stigma and encouraging compassion.
• **Volunteer Programs**: Engaging the community in supporting local outreach efforts can create a more supportive environment for users seeking help.
• **Partnerships with Local Services**: Collaborating with healthcare providers, social workers, and non-profits can enhance resource availability and outreach efficacy.

Case Studies: Success from Other Countries

Countries like Portugal and Spain have implemented similar models with considerable success. Their approaches focus on harm reduction and integrated care services, leading to decreased overdose rates and improved public health outcomes.

Challenges Ahead

While the establishment of multidisciplinary centres is a step in the right direction, challenges remain:

• **Funding and Resources**: Securing sustained investment will be crucial to ensure these centres have the resources necessary for effective operation.
• **Public Perception**: Changing public attitudes towards drug users will be vital in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
• **Policy and Regulation**: Navigating the complex legislative landscape surrounding drug treatment and care will require careful planning and implementation.

Final Thoughts

As Liège’s mayor pushes for multidisciplinary centres, the conversation surrounding drug-related health issues continues to evolve. Engaging experts, community members, and policymakers will be essential in creating a framework that promotes recovery while ensuring the dignity and respect of all individuals involved.