4. Drug consumption rooms in Lisbon: lessons learned

Two drug consumption rooms were implemented in Lisbon: one mobile in 2019 and the other, a fixed location centre, in 2021. This happened almost 20 years after the legislation that allowed DCRs, and after several attempts. Now it is possible to draw some conclusions about the role of DCRs in the Portuguese context. The discussion, not only in Lisbon, is evolving. Other cities and model options are being considered.

We intend to present a reflection based on the experience of planning and implementing drug consumption rooms in Lisbon, covering the decision-making process and the practical challenges from the day-to-day work of these facilities. We will also address the role of cities in the development of drug policy, the importance of the legal framework, the need to deepen the discussion on model options and the background for implementation and sustainability of this type of response.

Specific implementation strategies such as the involvement of people who use drugs, residents, stakeholders and media can facilitate the process, although there is no single recipe for success. The acceptability and willingness to use a DCR, especially among those who have high-risk drug use and are socially vulnerable, showed the need of this equipment. The strong affluence of smokers reinforced the idea that DCRs cover less obvious needs of protection and refugee.

Specific implementation strategies such as the involvement of people who use drugs, residents, stakeholders and media can facilitate the process, although there is no single recipe for success. The acceptability and willingness to use a DCR, especially among those who have high-risk drug use and are socially vulnerable, showed the need of this equipment. The strong affluence of smokers reinforced the idea that DCRs cover less obvious needs of protection and refugee.