Hamsterdam 2.0: Safe injections sites in cities can mitigate the social costs of the opioid crisis
Amidst a growing opioid epidemic, a coalition of non-profits has established a mock safe injection site in San Francisco to showcase the potential benefits of safe injection facilities. Modelled after operational sites in Vancouver, British Columbia, San Francisco’s site, if approved, would be the first of its kind in the US. Safe injection sites provide users with anti-overdose medication, Fentanyl strips to test drugs for synthetics, and a safe means of syringe disposal. Research suggests that safe injection sites can mitigate some of the harms associated with opioid use, such as the spread of infectious diseases, as well provide users the access they need to health care professionals.
There is no clear evidence that these policies reduce overdose mortality, but such a strategy might reduce some of the broader consequences of drug use in cities, such as drug related crime and the improper disposal of drug paraphernalia. It could help to destigmatize drug use and guide policy rooted in rehabilitation as opposed to punishment.
We will not be able to test the efficacy of such a policy until American cities are willing to suspend their prejudices regarding drug use and embrace an unconventional solution to a growing problem.
References:
https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/09/building-a-safe-space-for-san-franciscos-addicts/568942/
