Inside the UK’s first drug consumption room – podcast | Drugs policy




The Thistle is a new drugs consumption clinic in the east end of Glasgow, which aims to reduce drug-related deaths in the city. It will be open 365 days a year.

In 2023, 1,172 Scots died from drug misuse – a quarter of those in Glasgow, which has been named Europe’s drugs death capital.

Libby Brooks, the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, speaks to staff at the Thistle about the services they are able to offer, and why they believe the service is vital in saving lives.

She says: “The population that the Thistle is dealing with, they are like the exemplar of hard to reach, right? They are people who have had, throughout their lives, really difficult experiences with conventional health services, with criminal justice, and so the Thistle is trying to connect with them in a very different way.

“They are now seeing folk who perhaps haven’t been to a medical appointment, haven’t seen anyone official for two, three years, and the Thistle is the first time that they’ve actually felt able to make an approach for help, for treatment.”

Libby tells Michael Safi why a political stalemate between the Scottish government and Westminster meant it took a decade for Glasgow city council to open the service, and the gradual shift towards a harm reduction approach in the UK.

Also, Councillor Allan Casey takes Libby around the neighbourhood to see public injection sites, and explains why they are so dangerous for drug users.

Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/todayinfocuspod

Dr Saket Priyadarshi, associate medical director of Glasgow alcohol and drug recovery services, in the UK's first drug consumption room
Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian


Source link

Posted: 2025-03-18 05:02:37

U.S. agencies warn of ongoing foreign efforts to sow election doubt
 



... Read More

I’m A Celebrity’s Maura Higgins snubs debut film premiere for ITV jungle | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
 



... Read More

Arne Slot confirms ‘outstanding’ Alisson fit to start for Liverpool against Girona | Liverpool
 



... Read More

How to clean air fryers and remove grease fast without scrubbing
 



... Read More

A Complete Unknown: how charity shop and Etsy finds completed iconic Dylan look | Fashion
 



... Read More

Comfy, alpha and a little bit French: the return of the Little Boxy Jacket | Fashion
 



... Read More

'Superfood' packed with vitamins costs just 40p but is 'overlooked'
 



... Read More

Home cook shares 'creamy' slow cooker vegetable soup recipe that's so simple
 



... Read More