Drug consumption rooms key to saving lives in Scotland
Scotland’s first legal drug consumption room in Glasgow is a “crucial milestone” and a “big step forward” in tackling drug misuse in Scotland, says the Scottish Greens' health spokesperson Gillian Mackay MSP.
Ms Mackay said:
“This is a crucial milestone. This space will allow for safer consumption for those with active addiction. By reducing overdose risks and drug-related harms, it will save lives.
“It is a big step forward, and it is one of many that we need to take if we are to tackle drug misuse in Scotland. This is a day that many have long campaigned for, and I am glad that the barriers blocking it have finally been overcome.
“People battling with addiction deserve our empathy and support to recover and stay recovered. We must break the stigma around addiction, and treat it like the public health crisis that it is.
“We must look to end active addiction and keep people on the road to recovery, not only by providing support through our healthcare services, but by offering support in other key areas such as secure housing, employment and education opportunities.
“The road to recovery looks different for every person, but they need reasons to stay recovered, and that starts with small but fundamental steps like treating them with compassion and respect.”