The SNP’s £2.3m pilot drug consumption room, The Thistle, has come under fire as only 1.8% of user visits have led to recovery treatment referrals. Touted as a way to connect drug users with essential services, critics now argue that the Glasgow-based drug injecting facility has failed to meet its objectives.

Limited Success of the Drug Consumption Room After Nine Weeks

Since its launch nine weeks ago, The Thistle has recorded 1,435 visits from 168 drug users. However, only 27 individuals have been referred to addiction recovery programmes, housing, or benefit schemes. This low referral rate has sparked significant criticism, with many claiming the drug consumption room perpetuates addiction rather than addressing it.

Addiction recovery charity leader Annemarie Ward expressed deep concern about the facility’s performance. She pointed out that its failure to link users with long-term recovery options undermines the promise of real pathways to rehabilitation. According to Ward, the centre appears to support dependency instead of driving individuals toward a more stable, recovery-centred lifestyle.

SNP Ministers Criticised Over Drug Injecting Facility

Scottish Conservative drugs spokesman Annie Wells MSP highlighted the drug injecting facility’s shortcomings in tackling one of Europe’s most severe drug crises. She accused SNP ministers of failing to create effective recovery-focused interventions, leaving many users trapped in addiction.

When the facility opened in January, First Minister John Swinney described it as a game changer. He claimed it would allow people to inject drugs under medical supervision and access counselling and recovery support. However, the early data appears to contradict those assurances, raising doubts about the facility’s effectiveness.

Calls to Rethink the Strategy of Glasgow’s Drug Consumption Room

Although the Scottish Government has defended The Thistle, saying it’s still in the early stages of a three-year pilot, critics remain sceptical. Plans to add an inhalation room for crack cocaine at the drug consumption room have drawn further opposition. Many believe such measures should focus more on sobriety and recovery rather than harm reduction alone.

Scotland remains in the grip of a serious drug death crisis. Critics insist that solutions must prioritise recovery over dependency. Harm reduction facilities like the drug consumption room at The Thistle will face increasing pressure to prove they can drive meaningful change by balancing safety with long-term rehabilitation.

Source: DB Recovery Resources