Lisbon Faces Rising and Chaotic Drug Use: NGOs Sound the Alarm

Lisbon is witnessing an alarming increase in drug consumption, characterized by disorganization and a lack of necessary precautions among users, according to a recent report. Elsa Lucas Belo from Ares do Pinhal, an NGO assisting drug addicts, highlighted the situation during a municipal assembly debate. She pointed out that despite the presence of outreach teams, the city is seeing a surge in relapses among previously stable individuals, attributing this to precarious employment and fragile family relationships.

The public disinvestment in drug policies at the national level was criticized, with Belo noting the instability of NGOs working in the sector, which are losing both human and financial capital. The destruction of a 20-year-old model that effectively addressed drug problems through risk reduction and treatment was lamented, with current bureaucratic hurdles making access to care more difficult for the homeless and those with mental health issues.

Luís Mendão from GAT emphasized Lisbon's high prevalence of problematic drug use, homelessness, and its role as a primary destination for increasing migratory flows. He criticized the lack of adequate responses from health services, including long waiting lists for mental health and addiction consultations, and the closure of specific inpatient units for alcohol and drug addiction.

João Goulão, director of ICAD, reflected on the negative impact of the Troika's intervention, which led to the extinction of the Institute for Drugs and Drug Addiction (IDT) and a subsequent loss of effectiveness in addressing drug-related issues. He stressed the importance of inter-entity communication and creating solutions in neighboring cities to alleviate pressure on Lisbon.

Sofia Athayde, councilor for Human Rights, Social Affairs, and Health, assured that the Lisbon City Council is committed to finding solutions in collaboration with all stakeholders on the ground.