Bogota operates South America’s only supervised drug consumption room, Cambie, to combat heroin overdoses. Opened in June 2023, it has treated 14 overdoses with naloxone. The initiative is a key topic at the International Conference on Harm Reduction, aiming to reshape drug policy in the region. Christian Camilo Amaya, a frequent user, highlights the facility’s benefits while experts stress the importance of harm reduction for community safety.
Bogota, Colombia, is making strides in its battle against heroin overdoses with the region’s only supervised drug consumption room, known as Cambie, or Change. This facility is a centerpiece of discussion in the ongoing International Conference on Harm Reduction, which commenced on Sunday. The Colombian government aims to reduce harm and prevent fatalities from drug use.
Christian Camilo Amaya, a regular user, showcases tattoos that symbolize his struggles with addiction. After frequent street drug use, he has shifted to Cambie, where he has access to clean syringes and instruction on safer injection practices. According to reports, the room has successfully treated 14 overdoses with naloxone since opening in June 2023, with no recent incidents recorded.
At Cambie, users fulfill requirements by properly disposing of their syringes, as per protocols. Amaya, who insists he is not addicted, credits the room for providing cleanliness and education on safe usage. “I know what substances do to me, so I know I shouldn’t be a frequent user for that very reason,” he commented candidly.
The center caters to a variety of users, with a recent survey indicating that 91% consume heroin, while 7% inject cocaine. Notably, 26% of registered users are Venezuelan migrants. Accion Tecnica Social, a non-profit, has dedicated itself to meeting the specific needs of this population since the project began in 2022, following consultations with drug users.
David Moreno, a worker at Cambie, expressed the challenges of managing overdose situations. He recounted a particularly intense experience when a user became violent after being revived. “Once I had a user who would get very violent… I’d have to restrain her,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Sam Rivera, from New York’s OnPoint organization, visited Cambie and compared it to their operations. Rivera says the initiative is more than just a refuge; it contributes positively to community safety. “These are people who are going to use. So instead of using outside, in danger, everything happens inside,” he noted.
This innovative approach and ongoing discussions at the conference signal a pivotal shift in how drug use and addiction are managed in Latin America, notably under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro. This marks the first Harm Reduction Conference in the region in 30 years, pushing for a substantial reevaluation of global drug control policies.
The establishment of Cambie in Bogota represents a bold attempt to tackle heroin overdoses through harm reduction strategies. By providing supervised consumption spaces and essential resources, it aims to save lives and educate users on safer practices. The initiative is also generating significant dialogue at the International Conference on Harm Reduction, positioning Colombia at the forefront of drug policy reform in Latin America. With a growing number of registered users, including many Venezuelan migrants, Cambie’s efforts reflect a deeper understanding of addiction and public health, underscoring the need for a systemic shift in both local and international drug policies.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
