French National Assembly Extends Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities Until 2027

On November 8, 2025, the French National Assembly voted to extend the experimental program of supervised drug consumption facilities, known as 'haltes soins addictions,' until December 31, 2027. These facilities, initially launched in 2016 in Paris and Strasbourg, provide controlled environments where drug users can safely consume substances, particularly targeting those distanced from the healthcare system.

The extension received bipartisan support and was integrated into the Social Security budget. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist (Renaissance) strongly endorsed the move, highlighting evidence from public health evaluations demonstrating its effectiveness. She noted ongoing improvements are needed, such as enhanced coordination among actors and better care pathways, which justify the program's continued experimental status. A forthcoming government report will offer further details to parliamentarians.

Several left-wing deputies advocated expanding the program beyond the current cities, emphasizing the humanitarian and scientific importance of the initiative. Around forty health professionals recently published an op-ed warning that closing these consumption rooms would send a negative signal about France’s commitment to evidence-based and compassionate drug policy.

The extension provides relief to actors in drug prevention and vulnerable users alike, preserving the harm reduction strategy amid ongoing debates around public health and social policy in France.