Bogota Launches South America’s Only Supervised Drug Consumption Room

Bogota highlights its only supervised drug consumption room at an international conference, aiming to reduce heroin overdoses. Opened in June 2023, the facility has treated multiple overdoses with naloxone. Most users are seeking heroin, while significant numbers are Venezuelan migrants, showcasing a targeted response to community needs.

In an effort to combat rising heroin overdoses, Bogota boasts South America’s only supervised drug consumption room, a facility aimed at harm reduction and overdose prevention. This initiative is currently a focal topic at the International Conference on Harm Reduction, which began on Sunday in Colombia’s capital. The room, known as Cambie, is operated by the nonprofit organization Accion Tecnica Social.

Christian Camilo Amaya, a frequent user of this room, has transitioned from drug use on the streets to a more controlled environment. His arm, inked with a skull and syringe, serves as a testament to his struggles with addiction. Cambie, which opened in June 2023, has successfully managed to treat 14 overdoses using naloxone, a medication that can effectively reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Users like Amaya emphasize the importance of the facility, demonstrating proper waste disposal protocols, including disposing used syringes in red containers. Amaya asserts, “I know what substances do to me, so I know I shouldn’t be a frequent user for that very reason, to avoid becoming addicted.” His perspective sheds light on the growing acceptance of supervised consumption as a harm reduction strategy.

Currently, 87 individuals are registered at the Cambie facility, with almost 26% being Venezuelan migrants. Most users, around 91%, seek to inject heroin, while a small percentage uses cocaine or speedballs—a mix of both drugs. Despite a lack of official data on heroin use in Colombia, the project was initiated in 2022 after organizers sought direct insight from users about their needs and challenges.

David Moreno, a worker at Cambie, underscores the challenges faced during overdose situations. “Once I had a user who would get very violent when she came back from an overdose,

Bogota’s pioneering supervised drug consumption room aims to reduce heroin overdoses through harm reduction strategies. This site not only provides a safer environment for users but facilitates education on safe injection practices. With 87 registered users and a steady focus on people’s needs, efforts are underway to change perspectives on drug use and support public health initiatives.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk