Factors concerning access to a potential drug consumption room in Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) are a harm reduction service used by more than ten countries worldwide as a means of addressing localised problem drug use. Ireland is now in the process of introducing a DCR. Internationally, each DCR has its own rules and regulations addressing access, which are suited to the local drug using community. A qualitative exploratory case study design was implemented during 2016 with the aim of determining approaches to access for a DCR with input from participants working inside and outside drug services. Nineteen participants were interviewed in depth including service users and staff from a large city centre drug service, and key informants with experience working in drug policy within the Ministry of Health. The interview guide addressed their experiences and knowledge of problem drug use in Dublin, alongside their opinion of the viability of established DCR rules for a Dublin location. Participants were supportive of a Dublin-based service, and in general concurred with the existing rules of other DCRs. However, there were concerns about how a DCR and health and drug services in Dublin would coordinate. Other key issues that emerged here were problems surrounding drug using parents, addressing the public approach to problem drug use, and support for staff working in services. This study also highlighted the difference in opinion between stakeholder groups, and the implications this will have on the development and implementation of a service.

Keywords

• drug services
• drug consumption rooms
• drug policy
• harm reduction