Munich - Aidshilfe will open Bayern's first drug consumption room
Despite an official ban from the state government, German AIDS-Help intends to open the first drug consumption room in Bavaria. The opening is announced for the coming Friday in Munich (19. July).
In several other federal states, such rooms have existed for a longer time. In the drug consumption rooms, clean syringes and consuming utensils are provided. In case of emergency, the staff can render first aid to addicts and administer emergency medication.
The state government in Munich strictly opposes such an offer for addicts, which is why there is no regulation for consumption rooms in the Free State yet. Recently, the city of Augsburg also attempted to obtain a permit for a consumption room - unsuccessfully. In Augsburg, there has been an outreach center for drug consumers for years. There are contact persons and also consuming articles available. However, for the actual drug consumption, the affected persons have to leave the house.
"Drug consumption rooms save lives"
It remains unclear what the addicts in the Munich drug consumption room will be offered. A spokesperson for the AIDS-Help stated that nothing illegal would be done. The details would be clarified at the opening. "Drug consumption rooms save lives and prevent HIV and hepatitis infections", emphasizes the AIDS-Help. The opening is planned in conjunction with the 25th World AIDS Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Munich from 22nd to 26th July.
- Despite the state government's opposition in Munich, German AIDS-Help seeks to challenge this stance by opening a drug consumption room in the city, following their success in obtaining permission in Munich's neighboring city, Augsburg, remained unsuccessful.
- The state government's stance on drug consumption rooms in Bavaria has left a vacuum, as other federal states have already established and benefitted from these facilities, promoting health and preventing the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
- The announcement of the opening of the drug consumption room in Munich on July 19, amidst the 25th World AIDS Conference, underscores AIDS-Help's stance that such rooms can significantly improve the health of addicts and reduce the risk of disease transmission in society.
- Society in Bavaria, particularly in Munich, is poised to grapple with the introduction of a drug consumption room, a move advocated by AIDS-Help, with the belief that it will contribute to improved health outlooks for addicts, thereby fostering a more compassionate and understanding response to the issue of drug addiction.
