Drug overdose centres could prevent thousands of fatalities, says report

The report, led by Queen's University Belfast, found that overdose prevention centres reduce drug litter and lead to less visible drug use on the streets.

The introduction of drug overdose centres could prevent thousands of deaths as well as save taxpayer money, a new report has shown.

The first medically supervised injection facility is expected to open in Dublin city centre this September, after the government approved legislation back in 2015.

The centre, to be located on Merchant's Quay, received several objections over the course of its extensive planning process. 

In what is believed to be the largest evidence review of overdose prevention centres (OPCs), a major new report led by Queen's University Belfast has found that the centres not only improve outcomes for people who use drugs but also benefit the community.

Citing examples from the 200-plus services available in 17 countries worldwide, it found that OPCs reduce drug litter and lead to less visible drug use on the streets. OPCs were found to prevent the transmission of serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis through the sharing or reusing of drug paraphernalia.

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The clinics also save taxpayer money by reducing the amount of people needing ambulance call-outs and hospital treatment.

With the emergence of nitazenes and other strong synthetic opiods, it is expected that the risk of overdose will increase. The study shows that OPCs around the world have safely managed hundreds — in some case, thousands — of overdoses, saving many lives.

Lead author, Dr Gillian Shorter, said that they aim to correct the many misconceptions that exist around the centres.

"The evidence shows when we create a community for people who are often excluded from society, that is when the magic happens, people are empowered to improve their health and wellbeing."