The UK’s first official drug consumption room is set to open in Glasgow on October 21 to help address Scotland’s drug-related death crisis. The £2.3 million facility, located at the Hunter Street Health and Social Care Centre in Glasgow’s East End, will allow up to 30 individuals to inject drugs such as heroin under medical supervision. The centre will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

The Scottish Government supports the initiative, although some MSPs have expressed concerns about its impact on the local area. The facility aims to reduce overdose deaths by providing a safe environment for drug use, while also emphasizing the importance of participation in treatment programs to support recovery.

Recent data shows that drug-related deaths in Scotland increased by 12% in 2023, with Glasgow City and Dundee City having the highest rates. The facility’s opening follows efforts to address these rising numbers and is part of broader measures to support vulnerable drug users.