The impact of a drug consumption room (DCR) on public tranquility and social perceptions of residents in a City

An increasing number of cities, particularly in Europe and North America, are supporting, experimenting with, or planning the development of drug consumption rooms (DCR) : a pragmatic response to the health damage and urban nuisances associated with both legal and illegal drug use. Belgium is also contributing to the development of such harm reduction facilities, currently operating two DCRs since 2018 in Liège and since last year in Brussels.

The study aims to assess the impact of the implementation of this facility on the quality of life of residents and retailers in the Liège neighborhood over time. To achieve this objective, the investigation will provide an overview of the residents' opinions regarding their living environment and the perceived problems that arise over three distinct periods. The perspective adopted will be that of residents and retailers in an empirical study exploring three major categories of variables: environmental elements relevant to the general perception of the neighborhood, elements relating to neighborhood safety and police action, and finally elements concerning residents' attitudes towards the safer drug consumption facility.

The results of the investigation present an assessment of the diverse perceptions and attitudes towards drug-related issues in urban environments, with a particular focus on the social concerns surrounding these problems. The complexity nature of this issue elicit varied and sometimes conflicting reactions, highlighting the magnitude of the challenges involved. The attitudes of the participants are shaped by a set of beliefs that influence their perception of reality. The efficacy of the current socio-sanitary facilities is also subject to differing opinions, contingent on individual experiences and varied understandings of the reality of drug addiction.