The concept of harm reduction is universal, shaped by prevailing cultural and social consensus, and applied across various aspects of everyday life. While harm reduction services in the field of drug use began developing globally in the 1990s and shortly thereafter in Slovenia, the establishment of drug consumption rooms did not progress at the same pace. Despite their proven effectiveness, these programs remain entangled in political and public discourse, reinforcing their controversial status. Slovenia is no exception, as open discussions on this topic have been ongoing for more than two decades. In the theoretical framework of this study, I examine the concept of harm reduction and the development of drug consumption rooms both internationally and locally. In 2024, the organization Šent, in collaboration with the Municipality of Nova Gorica and the Nova Gorica Primary Healthcare Center, successfully opened Slovenia’s first drug consumption room — the Drug Consumption Room Nova Gorica. The empirical part of the study is based on a qualitative analysis of the expectations of professionals and users regarding this newly established program. The findings indicate the program’s effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges faced by people who use drugs while also offering broader benefits to the community. Nevertheless, the study highlights significant challenges, primarily stemming from societal attitudes toward drugs and their users, as well as to a lesser extent, operational dilemmas related to program implementation. Based on the findings from domestic and foreign literature, I critically evaluate and connect the expected effects of the Drug Consumption Room Nova Gorica in the discussion, with particular emphasis on the need for joint and coordinated action among community stakeholders.
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