Family members’ opinions sought for study on Drug Consumption Rooms

Family members of people who have a drug problem are being sought for a new research study which seeks to understand their perceptions and attitudes towards Drug Consumption Rooms.

Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs), also referred to as ‘safe injection sites’, are easy-to-access healthcare settings where people can consume drugs under the supervision of medical professionals; alongside being provided with sterile injecting equipment and support to access other services.

Funded by the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce, the University of Stirling study involves partnerships between the University of Stirling, Figure 8 Consultancy, Transform Drug Policy Foundation, Glasgow Caledonian University and Liverpool John Moores University.

According to the researchers, it is very important to understand how family members perceive DCRs to make sure that they would be as effective as possible if they were implemented, and that people would find them acceptable.

If you are a family member of someone who uses drugs, live in Scotland and would you like to share your views on DCRs – then the researchers would be delighted to speak to you.

In this study, family is defined broadly to include any family member impacted by the drug use of a loved one.

Interviews would be carried out by phone/Microsoft Teams/Skype. The interview with a researcher will take approximately 45-60 minutes and would take place at a time that suited you. To thank you for your time, you’ll receive a £10 shopping voucher.

If you are interested or would like to find out more then please contact Dr Rebecca Foster at Rebecca.foster@stir.ac.uk