The number of drug-related deaths in the United States is on the rise, with 2017 being the worst year yet. People who inject drugs are at particular risk, because not only is there the potential for overdose, but they are more likely to end up with HIV and other diseases that can be transmitted by sharing needles. According to the World Health Organization, injected drug use accounts for about 10 percent of HIV cases worldwide. Injecting drugs can also lead to hepatitis, skin infections, and abscesses. One way that some U.S. cities have suggested dealing these risks is by opening supervised injection sites.
At a supervised injection site, drug users would be able to inject in a safe, clean place in the presence of trained staff who could react in case of an overdose. They would also be provided with clean supplies, instead of reusing or sharing needles. There are currently a dozen cities considering opening these sites, and a three-year pilot program in San Francisco has been approved by the legislature and is awaiting a signature by the governor to open. However, the federal government is not in favor of supervised injection.
The Justice Department has stated that it will crack down on any injection sites that open in the U.S., claiming that they only encourage drug use and will bring crime to the areas where they are located. According to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, whether or not these sites curb drug overdoses and illnesses is moot, because they violate federal law. His view is that just because you are engaging in criminal activity in the presence of someone with a medical license, that doesn’t suddenly make it acceptable. Rosenstein recently wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times, in which he claimed that supervised injection sites “invite visitors to use heroin, fentanyl, and other deadly drugs without fear of arrest.”
Meanwhile, San Francisco Mayor London Breed refuses to back down, saying that cities are the ones trying to address the crisis.
There is no clear consensus on exactly how helpful supervised injection sites are. There are at least 100 of them operating around the world, mostly in Europe, Canada, and Australia. Studies have shown that they promote safer injection conditions, reduce overdoses, increase access to health services, and decrease outdoor drug use. They also do not appear to have any negative impacts on crime or drug use.
However, critics of these studies say that only eight studies have met researchers’ quality standards, and of those none showed any definitive evidence that supervised injection sites are effective. Still, there is no evidence of any negative effects, like increased drug use or crime in the surrounding areas.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
