French addiction care and harm reduction policy

Twelve mayors from major French cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, have petitioned Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to establish a permanent legal framework for addiction care centers (HSA). These centers, often called “salles de shoot”, allow supervised substance consumption to mitigate health risks and reduce public drug use. The mayors argue that the current experimental regime, set to expire in 2027, is insufficient to address intensifying narcotics issues such as crack cocaine.

Concurrently, the national addiction treatment system is experiencing significant strain. A review by the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs noted that while the integrated medical and social care model remains relevant, it is struggling with increasingly complex cases involving poly-substance use and psychiatric comorbidities. Additionally, shortages of healthcare professionals are disrupting care pathways. To address these bottlenecks, the Fédération Française d’Addictologie has launched the R.E.P.O.S. national survey to map opioid substitution practices and identify organizational needs.