UK Opens First Safer Drug Consumption Room in Glasgow Amid 12% Rise in Drug Deaths, Highest Rate in Europe

Jan 13, 2025, 07:15 AM

The UK has opened its first safer drug consumption room in Glasgow, located in the city's east end. This facility aims to assist individuals struggling with addiction by providing a supervised environment, which is expected to help them access broader support services and reduce the risk of blood-borne viruses, such as HIV. Glasgow has been facing a severe drug crisis, with Scotland recording the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where violence among drug gangs is prevalent. The establishment of this facility comes in response to a reported 12% increase in drug-related fatalities.