The Regional Parliamentary Representation of PAN/Azores has secured approval in the Azorean Legislative Assembly for its Resolution Project proposing the creation of supervised drug consumption rooms across the region. The initiative, to be implemented through coordination between the regional government and local municipalities, is framed as a response to the growing use of illicit substances—particularly synthetic drugs—whose presence has raised social concerns, especially on São Miguel, but also on Faial and Terceira.

The proposal builds on an earlier initiative presented in April of last year, which prioritized the municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, areas identified as having the highest prevalence of drug consumption. The measure emerged in response to the rise in New Psychoactive Substances, particularly among younger populations, and their documented impact on both physical and mental health.

During parliamentary debate, PAN deputy Pedro Neves emphasized that these facilities should be understood as a public health tool. According to him, supervised consumption rooms can help reduce drug use in public spaces, prevent overdoses, lower health risks, and ensure that users are supported by specialized teams. Within these spaces, individuals consume their own substances under medical supervision in a controlled, stigma-free environment.

The Socialist Party (PS/Azores) supported the proposal, arguing that such facilities could contribute to improved public safety, health outcomes, and overall quality of life. Deputy Russell Sousa noted that drug use in the region is “visible and cannot be ignored,” pointing to a growing sense of insecurity, particularly in Ponta Delgada. The PS stressed, however, that these rooms should not be seen as a standalone solution, but as part of a broader strategy including prevention, treatment, and social reintegration. “Addressing addiction requires responses tailored to the reality of the Azores,” the party argued, “based on data, ongoing evaluation, and coordination with those working on the ground.”

The Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda/Azores) also voiced support, particularly highlighting the need for such facilities on São Miguel as a way to protect communities and reduce risky behaviors. One of its deputies underscored the political dimension of the issue, stating that “what is lacking is the political courage to recognize that reducing harm is saving lives, and that governing also means protecting those in the most vulnerable situations, even when it requires difficult and unpopular decisions.”

In contrast, Chega/Azores opposed the initiative, arguing that allocating public funds to supervised consumption rooms without addressing the root causes of drug addiction merely shifts the problem rather than resolving it. Deputy Hélia Cardoso acknowledged shortcomings in prevention policies but questioned the effectiveness of such facilities. Recalling a visit to a supervised consumption site in Lisbon’s former Casal Ventoso neighborhood, she noted that its operation was closely tied to local drug trafficking dynamics. She also raised concerns about the limitations of mobile units, suggesting that their capacity—typically serving only a small number of users at a time—would be insufficient to address the scale of the issue in the region.

As the measure moves forward, the debate reflects broader tensions between public health approaches centered on harm reduction and perspectives that prioritize prevention and structural intervention. In the Azores, as elsewhere, the question remains how best to balance urgency, compassion, and long-term strategy in responding to addiction.

In Correio dos Açores- Natalino Viveiros, director

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.