The Real Impact of Consumption Treatment Services on Community Safety

9 November 2023

The data is clear: consumption treatment services are not just neutral in their impact on community safety – they actively enhance it.

Several studies have delved deep into the relationship between CTS and crime rates, and the findings are consistent:

• A comprehensive study analyzing local crime statistics in Vancouver revealed that the establishment of a supervised injection facility did not lead to any spike in incidents of drug trafficking or assaults/robberies in the surrounding neighbourhood.
• In a separate study focusing on individuals who inject drugs in Vancouver, it was found that frequent visits to supervised injection facilities had no correlation with recent incarcerations.
• The establishment of a supervised injection facility in Sydney, Australia, did not result in any significant changes in police-recorded incidents, be it thefts, robberies, drug possession, or drug dealing offences.

Furthermore, CTS are instrumental in improving public order and safety.

One of the most noticeable benefits of CTS is the reduction in discarded needles, drug paraphernalia, and instances of public drug use.

Since the opening of a CTS site in Guelph, the community reports seeing fewer discarded needles, decreased emergency department visits and overdoses due to opioid poisoning.

This not only enhances the safety of public spaces but also reduces the risks associated with unsupervised drug use.

The strategic location of CTS in areas where public drug use is prevalent is not accidental.

It’s a deliberate effort to address the issue at its core, ensuring that those who need these services the most have easy access to them.

As we continue our collective efforts to address the widespread drug poisoning crisis, it’s essential to base our strategies on evidence and facts.

CTS stand as a testament to the positive change that evidence-based interventions can bring to our communities.

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