Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Harm Reduct J. 2022 Aug 29;19(1):99. doi: 10.1186/s12954-022-00679-5.
People who use drugs in Scotland are currently experiencing disproportionately high rates of drug-related deaths. Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) are harm reduction services that offer a safe, hygienic environment where pre-obtained drugs can be consumed under supervision. The aim of this research was to explore family member perspectives on DCR implementation in Scotland in order to inform national policy.
Scotland-based family members of people who were currently or formerly using drugs were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews to share views on DCRs. An inclusive approach to 'family' was taken, and family members were recruited via local and national networks. A convenience sample of 13 family members were recruited and interviews conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using the Structured Framework Technique.
Family members demonstrated varying levels of understanding regarding the existence, role, and function of DCRs. While some expressed concern that DCRs would not prevent continued drug use, all participants were in favour of DCR implementation due to a belief that DCRs could reduce harm, including saving lives, and facilitate future recovery from drug use. Participants highlighted challenges faced by people who use drugs in accessing treatment/services that could meet their needs. They identified that accessible and welcoming DCRs led by trusting and non-judgemental staff could help to meet unmet needs, including signposting to other services. Family members viewed DCRs as safe environments and highlighted how the existence of DCRs could reduce the constant worry that they had of risk of harm to their loved ones. Finally, family members emphasised the challenge of stigma associated with drug use. They believed that introduction of DCRs would help to reduce stigma and provide a signal that people who use drugs deserve safety and care.
Reporting the experience and views of family members makes a novel and valuable contribution to ongoing public debates surrounding DCRs. Their views can be used to inform the implementation of DCRs in Scotland but also relate well to the development of wider responses to drug-related harm and reduction of stigma experienced by people who use drugs in Scotland and beyond.
苏格兰的吸毒者目前正经历着不成比例的高毒品相关死亡率。毒品注射室（DCR）是一种减少伤害的服务，它提供了一个安全、卫生的环境，让预先获得的毒品可以在监督下使用。这项研究的目的是探索苏格兰吸毒者家属对 DCR 实施的看法，以便为国家政策提供信息。
苏格兰的吸毒者目前或曾经的家属被邀请参加半结构化访谈，分享他们对 DCR 的看法。采取了对“家庭”包容性的方法，通过当地和国家网络招募家属。通过方便抽样招募了 13 名家属，并进行了访谈，录音，转录，并使用结构化框架技术进行主题分析。
家属对 DCR 的存在、角色和功能有不同程度的了解。虽然有些人担心 DCR 不会阻止继续吸毒，但所有参与者都赞成实施 DCR，因为他们相信 DCR 可以减少伤害，包括拯救生命，并促进未来的戒毒康复。参与者强调了吸毒者在获得满足其需求的治疗/服务方面面临的挑战。他们认为，由值得信赖和非评判性的工作人员领导的、可及和受欢迎的 DCR 可以帮助满足未满足的需求，包括转介到其他服务。家属认为 DCR 是安全的环境，并强调了 DCR 的存在如何减少他们对亲人受到伤害的持续担忧。最后，家属强调了与吸毒相关的耻辱感带来的挑战。他们认为，引入 DCR 将有助于减少耻辱感，并发出一个信号，表明吸毒者应该得到安全和关怀。
报告家属的经验和观点是对围绕 DCR 的持续公共辩论的新颖而有价值的贡献。他们的观点可以用来为苏格兰 DCR 的实施提供信息，但也与苏格兰乃至更广泛的减少与毒品相关的伤害和减少吸毒者所经历的耻辱感的反应有关。
