Safe Space for Opioid Users Reveals Changing Views on Addiction
A Boston homeless center has started a new program allowing people who use opioids to be in a safe space where they can be supervised after taking the drugs. The program joins a growing number of places which aim to use “harm reduction” strategies — leading people toward treatment and reducing the risk of overdose — in the difficult fight against a rapidly growing opioid epidemic.
A Boston homeless center has started a new program allowing people who use opioids to be in a safe space where they can be supervised after taking the drugs. The program joins a growing number of places which aim to use “harm reduction” strategies — leading people toward treatment and reducing the risk of overdose — in the difficult fight against a rapidly growing opioid epidemic.
Last month, the Boston Healthcare for The Homeless Program (BHCHP) started their initiative called Supportive Place for Observation and Treatment (SPOT) where people in the midst of an opioid high can go for support. Up to eight people will be allowed in the space at a time and they will be closely monitored by officials on site so that they don’t overdose.