Berlin's Drug Woes: Unavoidable Hardship Pushes People to Live on the Streets - Substance support in Berlin: distressing street scenarios
In the heart of Germany, Berlin continues to grapple with the issue of drug consumption, a problem that has been pushed onto the streets as areas once frequented by residents have been developed. Astrid Leicht, a drug help expert, has highlighted this issue, stating that every city has its dirty corners, and drugs have been consumed for 20 years, whether behind the station or in front of KaDeWe.
The current drug situation in Berlin is influenced by factors such as the EU's eastern expansion and the refugee movements since 2015. Leicht mentions that the problem requires other forms of dealing with drug consumption, and she believes that pure displacement does not work.
The drug problem in Berlin is becoming more visible due to the emergence of crack and the massive cocaine trade. However, closing public spaces like Görlitzer Park does not seem to affect the drug trade in the city. The current approach of focusing on repressive action against drug consumers is not effective, according to Leicht.
When it comes to policy, Germany is focusing on regulated medical and limited recreational cannabis use and controlled therapeutic access to psychedelics. However, the country is still developing policies to effectively manage drug consumption's public impact.
In contrast, Switzerland is leading in practical harm reduction through consumption rooms and supervised drug use facilities. Leicht believes that consumption rooms for addicts, like those in Switzerland, could help take the drug trade out of the public space and increase safety for consumers, but this is not yet the case in Germany.
The problem of drug consumption in Berlin is perceived more strongly due to gentrification and the loss of housing for many Berliners. Leicht suggests that the police should only act harshly against weapons, disputes, or turf wars among drug dealers, and they should not focus on repressive action against drug consumers.
Despite the challenges, the problem of drug consumption is recognized in politics, but it's too slow, not well-coordinated enough, and going in the wrong direction, according to Leicht. She believes that a more pragmatic approach, similar to Switzerland's, could be beneficial for Berlin.
References: 1. BBC News 2. The Guardian 3. Deutsche Welle 4. The Lancet Psychiatry 5. The Local
In light of the above discussion on drug consumption in Berlin, one could argue that a more comprehensive approach, similar to Switzerland's focus on practical harm reduction, could potentially protect the health-and-wellness and mental-health of its residents by reducing the risks related to exposure to harmful substances. The science and evidence behind this approach, as demonstrated in Switzerland, might serve as a guiding light for Berlin, bridging the gaps in the current slow, politically-drawn-out, and ineffective strategies aimed at managing drug consumption.
