The number of drug-related deaths in Munich has risen again. So far this year there have been 86 deaths. In 2022 there were 73, the year before 64. The city has therefore long been calling for drug consumption rooms where addicts can consume drugs safely and under medical supervision. The Bavarian state government has so far rejected this. For the International Day of Remembrance for Deceased Drug Users this Friday, a petition is now being launched calling on the state government to finally set up drug shelters in Munich. It is supported by a broad social alliance.
The city council group of the Greens officially presented them in Nußbaumpark on Thursday. Where many drug addicts consume their drugs. Where, as Andreas Klose says, injection equipment lying around in front of pharmacies or even in front of St. Matthew’s Church deters the population. The deputy chairman of the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district committee does not want to exclude addicts, but rather to protect them. “We need a drug consumption room here, right near the station district.”
Thekla Andresen from the JES network (junkies, alumni and substitutes) agrees. “We don’t want to have to die in lonely places. 86 dead should be enough!” There are many drug users for whom a drug protection room in Munich “means a lot”. According to Olaf Ostermann from the Condrobs addiction aid association, 4,000 to 6,000 addicts consumed opiates in Munich.
“The increasing number of drug-related deaths is frightening,” says Condrobs managing director Katrin Bahr. She sees the reasons for this in the “multiple crises” in which society is currently finding themselves. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the climate crisis – according to Bahr, that does something to people and especially to vulnerable groups. “That includes drug addicts.” Younger people between the ages of 18 and 25 are increasingly turning to opiates. Like most addiction support providers in Munich, she is convinced that drug shelters can save lives. The addicts could consume quietly, safely and sterilely. Especially with medical care.
Deployment for a drug protection room (from left): rescue service operator Matthias Bonigut, Condrobs managing director Katrin Bahr, politician Andreas Klose (Pink List), Stefan Jagel (Left), Clara Nitsche (Greens), Barbara Likus (SPD) as well as Thekla Andresen from the JES network and Olaf Ostermann from Condrobs.
(Photo: Florian Peljak)
Recognizing an overdose, being able to help more quickly, giving addicts access to support networks – that, Bahr continues, is “long overdue”. If only because you can reach more drug addicts and the public social space is relieved. Drug addicts consume in cellar niches, in parks, on playgrounds, in underground car parks. They don’t have to hide in shelters.
250 drug deaths in Bavaria. “And so often one would be too late,” says Matthias Bonigut, head of operations in the rescue service. How good it would often be to know quickly which substances are involved. You would know that in shelters. There are 29 of them in Germany that would work well. Bahr also confirms this. “It’s been proven in numerous studies that they work.” In Frankfurt, for example. There are four. We were able to help in 200 emergencies alone. “Otherwise more would have died,” says Andresen.
Munich’s third mayor, Verena Dietl (SPD), has been campaigning for drug consumption rooms for years. As she recently explained to the SZ in an interview, she is always looking for a conversation with Bavaria’s Health Minister Klaus Holetscheck (CSU). “The Bavarian state government must finally give up its dogmatic refusal in drug policy.”
The International Day of Remembrance for Deceased Drug Users takes place on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Marienplatz. The names of the dead are read out, organizations and addiction support facilities are on site. In a tent, visitors can also find out what a drug consumption room could look like. “We set it up so that you get an impression of it,” says Olaf Ostermann.