In a drug consumption room, there are trays containing utensils for intravenous (l) and nasal (r) drug consumption.
© dpa
A new so-called supervised consumption site for people addicted to drugs has opened at Kottbusser Tor in Berlin-Kreuzberg.
This was announced by the Senate and the district on Monday (March 28, 2022). This means that there are now two permanent consumptions sites in the area where addicts can use drugs such as heroin and crack under medical supervision. The second drop-in and counseling center is located on nearby Reichenberger Straße. Directly at Kottbusser Tor, there was previously only a mobile facility. Addicts often took their substances in the subway corridors or in the stairwells of the surrounding high-rises.
Accordingly, the drug consumption site provides recreational facilities as well as counseling offers, restrooms and emergency medical care. Addicts receive sterile syringes and needles, and used items are disposed of in a safe manner. The facility is primarily intended for homeless people with drug addiction and immigrants with drug problems. Rent, staff and materials are paid for by the state of Berlin and the district.
Senator for Health Ulrike Gote (Green Party) stated: "Safe drug consumption rooms are an indispensable support offer for people addicted to drugs in Berlin." The district emphasized that this would also improve the situation in the area for neighbors, families with children and shopkeepers.