More than 130 people used the UK’s first drug abuse clinic in the facility’s first week.

Safe Drug Consumption Facility in Glasgow Opened on 13 JanuaryAllowing people to take substances under supervision.

Cllr Alan Casey, city co-ordinator of addictions services, said it had been a “very difficult first week” for staff with 131 users.

In the first seven days – known as Thistle – no medical emergencies occurred due to drug use within the facility.

hope the clinic can do this Reduce fatal and non-fatal overdoses By providing a safe and clean place for people to use drugs, as well as providing more support for people to deal with their addiction.

As well as safe injection facilities, users were provided with wound care, clean injection equipment and naloxone as needed.

A spokesperson for the facility said some users have already been connected to housing and drug treatment assistance.

Cllr Casey said the clinic had made a “promising start” since opening.

He added: “It has been a tough first week for the team with all eyes on Glasgow.

“I’m glad to hear that people are making use of all the features available at Thistle.

“We know it may not seem like a big deal – but having a safe, clean and medically monitored facility can go a long way in reducing drug-related overdoses, injection-related wounds and infections, and the negative effects of injecting outside.” Will meet the local community.”

The facility was first proposed for Glasgow in 2016, but debated for years between the Scottish and UK governments.

it was convenient Ultimately approved in autumn 2023Operating costs are expected to reach approximately £7m over the next three years.

It is located next to a clinic in the city’s Hunter Street, where 23 long-term drug users are currently prescribed pharmaceutical heroin.

A previous NHS report estimated that around 400 to 500 people use drugs in public in city centers on a regular basis, a higher rate than in Scotland. Europe has the highest number of deaths from drug overdose,

The UK government said it did not intend to open any clinics elsewhere in 2023, but Will not interfere with Glasgow plan,