Rebuilding evidence on Drug Rooms. Final Report. Brussels: Belgian Science Policy Office (prévu pour mars 2026)

The REVE-DROOM project is expected to result in several major impacts on scientific knowledge, policy and public services, as well as on the health and quality of life of PWUD. In particular, the study is expected to strengthen the knowledge base on DCR effectiveness, not only to reduce the adverse consequences of drug use on individuals and the society, but also as a key strategy towards the personal recovery of the most deprived and at-risk drug users. It is also worth noting that there is an important growth of the number of DCRs established recently all over Europe, and these new DCRs are provided with new features, on the one hand, and facing new types of consumptions and risky behaviours, on the other hand. Therefore, the present study aims to rebuild the evidence taking into account the ever-changing context of drug use. It is expected that innovative indicators that relate to personal recovery and users’ strengths can be tested and suggested for further evaluation and monitoring of DCRs, elsewhere in Belgium if they were to be disseminated, and across Europe. For this purpose, the study consortium will collaborate closely with national (Sciensano) and international (EMCDDA) institutions carrying out routine monitoring of services for PWUDs.

Therefore, the study is also expected to provide institutions and authorities with recommendations on the scientific, managerial, and legal frameworks as how to optimise the effects of DCRs on public health and public safety. Hence, the study also aims to contribute clarifying the legal status of DCRs in Belgium and, possibly, suggest organisational solutions that might be considered elsewhere. Finally, the present study is aiming to have a major impact on the health and quality of life of the general population, as it is well known that DCRs not only impact the health and quality of life of users, but also contribute to improve the quality of life of all the residents in generally deprived areas.