New premises to accommodate drug addicts in Caen
By Agathe Caudron
Published on
In 2021, the CAARUD (reception and support center for risk reduction for drug users) counted 1,676 visits by users of drogue in its premises, located rue Neuve Bourg l’Abbé, at Caen (Calvados). That’s 1,000 more than in 2013.
This increase is explained by regular raids and increasingly marked prevention over the years in the central part. To deal with “too small premises, there was a renovation to enlarge them from 2019 to the summer of 2021”, explains Luc, socio-educational framework.
More showers
The CAARUD only opens in the afternoon to allow drug addicts “to come and take a shower or wash their clothes, for example”, comments the centre. Thus, “instead of a single shower and a washing machine, there is more space with three showers in total”.
Without judgement
The center is not intended “to help visitors stop their drug use”.
The primary goal is “to prevent the circulation of diseases, in particular hepatitis C or HIV during exchanges of heroin syringes”.
Jean-Michel is a nurse at CAARUD, he specifies that the center, which “guarantees anonymity”, can even “pass equipment, such as syringes, to avoid contamination”.
Here, we do not judge.
Kennels reserved for dogs are also available to users. “Often, on a case to a marginal and precarious public. »
CAARUD can also support drug addicts in accessing care. “They can get tested for transmissible infections or get help to find housing and a job,” found the nurse.
Practice. CAARUD address: 26 rue Neuve Bourg l’Abbé (14,000) Caen. Open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Contact: 02 31 72 28 75; 07 89 46 17 66.
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