Supervised injection site are provided in legally sanctioned facilities that allow people to consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained staff and are designed to reduce the health and public order issues often associated with public drug consumption
Facility staff members do not directly assist in consumption or handle any drugs brought in by clients, but are present to provide sterile injection supplies, answer questions on safe injection practices, administer first aid if needed, and monitor for overdose.
This is particularly pertinent to fentanyl because the onset of overdose is rapid and waiting for an ambulance may mean death or permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen. SCS staff also offer general medical advice and referrals to drug treatment, medical treatment, and other social support programs.
Pros:
- Increasing entry into substance use disorder treatment
- Reducing the amount and frequency that clients use drugs
- Reducing public disorder and public injecting while increasing public safety
- Reducing HIV and Hepatitis C risk behavior (i.e. syringe sharing, unsafe sex)
- Successfully managing frequent on-site overdoses and reducing drug-related overdose death rates (there has not been a single overdose fatality at any SCS worldwide)
- Saving costs due to a reduction in disease, overdose deaths, and need for emergency medical services
- Increasing the delivery of medical and social services
Cons:
- May Encourage Drug Use in Addicts of Intravenous Drugs -One of the largest fears against safe injection sites is that they simply enable continued drug use. Without facing disease, needle shortage, or hardship, individuals may be more likely to continue using drugs.
- The proliferation of safe injection sites may potentially make it difficult or impossible for policymakers to enforce laws against drugs.
- May Increase the Rate of Drug-Related Crime in Nearby Communities. Safe injection sites may potentially pose a security concern in the communities where they are located.
- They cost a lot of money. Many countries that decide to adopt this policy typically end up spending a significant chunk of taxpayers money to construct supervised injection facilities, staff them, and equip them with the necessary medications. The common everyday citizen will essentially be funding the addictions of others, which is something that no one wants to do.
