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If you or a loved one is dealing with substance use disorders, it’s important to reduce the risk of dangerous outcomes that accompany drugs. One such strategy used in different parts of the world is safe injection or safe consumption sites (SCS).
What are Safe Consumption or Safe Injection Sites?
Safe consumption sites are also known as supervised injection sites or safe injection facilities. They’re places where people with substance use disorders can go to inject drugs. SCSs are staffed with workers who are trained in harm reduction protocols and who supervise their patrons to help ensure that people are safe.
Services vary from one SCS to another. But they typically include checking the drugs used, providing sterile equipment, and disposing of used needles and other paraphernalia. Testing and counseling may also be available alongside referrals to facilities with treatment programs.
SCSs help lower the risk for dangerous outcomes. People who inject drugs might acquire HIV infections from contaminated needles or experience overdoses from drugs laced with other potent or toxic materials. SCS staff can reduce those infections; they can also connect SCS patrons with healthcare and addiction treatment.
SCSs began in the 1980s in Switzerland. By 2024, more than 100 centers across 11 countries have reported positive outcomes. However, SCSs are not yet common in the U.S. The stigma associated with addiction has erected legal barriers preventing the establishment of SCSs in the U.S., even though these centers can be pivotal in keeping people safe.
Two sites were opened in New York City in 2021 and one in Providence, Rhode Island in 2024.
Safe Consumption vs. Overdose Prevention Sites
SCSs are also known outside the U.S. as overdose prevention sites (OPSs). Therefore, SCSs and OPSs may be used interchangeably, and different countries and regions may use different terms.
Since the services vary from site to site, many OPSs focus primarily on preventing overdoses. They provide testing services to check for the presence of fentanyl. They may also offer medical interventions in the case of overdose, such as administering naloxone and oxygen. SCSs, on the other hand, might focus more on services like infection prevention and drug counseling.
While SCSs are not common in the U.S., the good news is that you can still use the same harm reduction approaches that these sites offer in other venues.
What is Harm Reduction?
One harm reduction definition centers on the effort to reduce risks associated with substance use and treat those who use drugs with dignity. This process emphasizes the well-being of individuals who are often unable to control their substance use disorders. If someone is not prepared to quit using, harm reduction methods can help keep that person or a loved one as safe as possible.
An example of harm reduction is naloxone distribution, so individuals have Narcan on hand to reverse an opioid overdose. Another example is the distribution of clean syringes to prevent infections.
One effective strategy is the use of test strips to check for fentanyl. You can place these strips in a mixture of water and the substance and indicate whether or not fentanyl or other potent opioids are present. If fentanyl is present, you can avoid the drug and lower the risk for overdose.
Additional harm-reduction methods include simply lowering the quantity and frequency of drugs consumed. Individuals may select designated drivers or buddies to make sure they don’t overdose or that they get home safely. Harm reduction not only helps reduce substance use-related risks at the individual level, but also for their local communities.
Growing Research in Support of Safe Consumption
One reason for the lack of SCSs in the U.S. is the view that these centers promote drug use and attract crime in the nearby neighborhoods.
However, research has found that neighborhoods surrounding an SCS experience lower crime rates, reduced littering of drug equipment, and less drug consumption. The same study also linked SCSs to reduced overdose deaths and a higher number of people entering substance use treatment.
Where Can I Find Information About Substance Abuse Treatment?
You can readily get connected to substance abuse treatment in your area. One way is to speak with your primary care provider. They already know you and your health history and can help diagnose and determine the type of treatment best suited for you. Your primary care can help manage any substance use treatment medication after your graduate from the program.
Another good resource is a peer support group such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, or SMART Recovery. You can attend these meetings even if you’re just taking the first steps toward a drug-free future. Connecting with others who also struggle with substance use disorder is an important part of recovery as well as a way to gather information on treatment centers.
You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
You can search online directories of rehab centers at Rehab.com. Just enter your location and start browsing.
What are the Treatment Options for Drug Addiction?
Different levels of care are available depending on your treatment needs. These levels generally consist of four main categories: detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs.
Detox
Medical detoxification, or detox, is the process of removing substances from the body under the supervision of medical professionals. Providers may administer medication that’s similar to the substance the person is withdrawing from, but in tapered doses to slowly wean that individual off their dependency. They may also administer medications to help lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Detox is not substance use treatment. It’s a process of stabilization to prepare to enter treatment.
Inpatient
Inpatient, or residential treatment, is fit for someone with a severe addiction or has co-occurring mental health conditions. This level of treatment involves staying at the treatment facility 24/7. Services are provided by a multidisciplinary team typically consisting of therapists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, social workers, and psychologists.
In addition to psychotherapy and medical care, inpatient facilities often provide case management to help connect the client with follow-up care after treatment, housing, financial assistance, or vocational rehab.
Outpatient
Outpatient substance abuse treatment involves living at home and commuting to various facilities. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) comprise one type of outpatient treatment for those with severe addiction. They have day programs in a supportive, drug-free environment but don’t need round-the-clock care. PHPs typically include 20 hours of treatment or more per week.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) include approximately 10 hours of treatment per week for those who don’t have severe symptoms. IOPs can be offered in the evenings and on weekends for those who need to work or attend school while in treatment.
Outpatient counseling is usually fit for someone with a mild addiction and involves attending individual or group therapy as few as once per week in a therapist’s office.
Aftercare
Aftercare refers to ongoing services after you graduate rehab to maintain progress made and help prevent relapse. Examples of aftercare include outpatient counseling, peer support groups, or sober living homes.
Treatment can always begin now. Specialists are always happy to assist you or your loved ones in locating suitable rehab programs or an SCS.
