{"id":20897,"date":"2020-09-15T19:23:57","date_gmt":"2020-09-15T23:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomingwellness.com\/?p=20897"},"modified":"2023-06-03T14:54:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-03T18:54:04","slug":"9-benefits-of-safe-injection-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomingwellness.com\/2020\/09\/9-benefits-of-safe-injection-sites\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Benefits of Safe Injection Sites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guest Post\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not medically reviewed by Erin Stair, MD, MPH\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As illegal drug use continues to lead to death and disease around the world, a new approach to managing the crisis aims to offer a safe space for drug users while also advocating for counseling and rehabilitation support. Safe injection sites are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, and they provide many benefits for drug users and their communities.<\/p>\n

What Are Safe Injection Sites?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Safe injection sites are facilities in which drug users can inject illegal drugs with no legal repercussions under the watchful care of medical professionals. These safe injection sites<\/a>, also known as overdose prevention sites, supervised injection sites, and drug consumption rooms, provide a clean and safe environment with sterile tools for people to ensure their safety during drug use. Additionally, the medical professionals usually have a stock of overdose antidotes on hand, like Naloxone, should someone accidentally overdose.<\/p>\n

How Do Safe Injection Sites Work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

At a safe injection site, people bring their intravenous drugs to the facility. There, they can use new, sterile needles to inject the drugs into their bloodstream. Medical professionals are on hand to monitor users and ensure their health and safety<\/a> during and after injection. The sites are free, and drug users won’t be arrested for using illegal drugs while on the premises.<\/p>\n

Where to Find Safe Injection Sites<\/strong><\/p>\n

Safe injection sites are controversial, so they haven’t yet gained traction in some countries, like the United States. However, other nations have opened successful safe injection sites and seen noticeable benefits. Countries implementing these facilities include:<\/p>\n