Abandoned Disco Transformed into a Hideout for Drug Abusers (former disco now a hideout for drug users)
Hey there!
Since June 2023, a sanctuary for drug users, especially those into crack, named RegO, has been nestled in Friedrich-Rauers-Straße. As of now, this venue is undergoing a transformation into an integrated drug consumption room, which has prompted the RegO to briefly relocate to Rembertiring.
In mid-February this year, the ground level of a former disco, Stubu, has served as a temporary refuge. It offers consultations, refreshments, meals, relaxation spots, and the distribution of sterile drug consumption equipment. Claudia Bernhard, the Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, emphasizes: "In Bremen, crack consumption has been escalating since 2018. Drug addiction often leads to a rapid physical decline, including users staying awake for extended periods. RegO provides a respite for addicts, offering them the chance to eat, drink, rest, sleep, and interact with social workers who mediate help offers. With an alternative location found in the old Stubu temporarily, we can continue this low-threshold aid."
Until the end of 2025, approximately 300 square meters of the former disco will be repurposed for RegO. A common area, resting room with beds, toilets, and a distribution of safe-use utensils are part of the care provided. The workforce consists of social pedagogical staff, support staff, and security staff, with assistance from the soup angels for food supply. Most of the visitors came to the RegO in Friedrich-Rauers-Straße due to its accommodating environment, conversations, and food; with a total of 1728 visitors in September 2024 and an average of 1400 visitors per month in 2024, out of which an average of 80 make use of the sleeping facilities.
Image Source: Adobe Stock
RegO Initiative in Bremen:
RegO, short for Regional Outreach Work, is a project aimed at reducing harm for people who use drugs. Typical services include outreach, needle exchange, and supervised drug consumption rooms to decrease health risks for users. In Bremen, an Integrated Drug Consumption Room allows drug users to consume drugs under hygienic, medically supervised conditions as part of the public health or social service infrastructure. These rooms also offer additional support services like counseling and basic medical care.**
Future plans for such projects in Bremen may encompass:
- Relocation to a permanent site: Once a suitable long-term location is identified and prepared, the service is moved to its permanent site.
- Service expansion: Enhancing outreach, integrating new support services, and working more closely with other social and health services.
- Community engagement: Regular dialogue with residents and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure the facility operates effectively.
- The RegO initiative in Bremen, with its focus on reducing harm for individuals using drugs, also considers the importance of mental health and wellness, offering counseling and basic medical care.
- The transformation of RegO into an Integrated Drug Consumption Room includes the provision of additional support services such as therapy sessions and treatments aimed at improving mental health.
- As part of the RegO's commitment to holistic health and wellness, nutritional considerations are integrated into their services, with a focus on providing healthy meals and refreshments for visitors.
- Moving forward, the RegO project in Bremen plans to expand its services, incorporating fitness and exercise programs as part of their approach to promoting the overall health and well-being of its users.
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