Drug consumption rooms: an overdue extension to harm reduction policy in the UK?

This commentary examines the drug policy context of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in the UK and describe the conclusions of an Independent Working Group (IWG) that was set up to evaluate the evidence of need in the UK, the international evaluation literature and legal, political and ethical concerns. Having considered this evidence, the IWG produced its report in May 2006, recommending a trial of DCRs in the UK, on the basis that DCRs offer a unique and promising way to work with problematic drug users in order to reduce the risk of overdose, improve their health and lessen the damage and costs to society. However, despite support for the idea from a number of quarters, the UK Government has rejected this recommendation, citing previously deployed arguments that do not appear to be carry much weight in 2007.