Drug emergencies are increasing in Bremen: New consumption room in sight!

Drug emergencies are increasing in Bremen: New consumption room in sight!

In Bremen the number of drug emergencies is increasing significantly and the conditions are alarming. There has been a drug consumption room in containers near the Jakobushaus since September 2020 - run by the drug aid organization “Comeback”. Every month, around 190 drug addicts visit this protected space, which not only offers consumption rooms, but also advice and support. In 2024, the space recorded approximately 15,000 consumption events. But aside from the daily challenges, those responsible also have to contend with delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic and increased construction costs. The new drug consumption room, which is now scheduled to open in early 2026, will be built on Friedrich-Rauers-Straße and will be 1,340 square meters in size. In addition to the consumption room, this comprehensive measure also includes medical assistance and advice on lower-risk drug use, as Health Senator Claudia Bernhard (Linke) explained. The current space also has an extended operating license until June 30, 2026, ensuring continuity of supply.

An important aspect of the drug problem in Bremen is the increase in the use of synthetic opioids. Fentanyl, a dangerous painkiller that is around 100 times more powerful than morphine, is particularly popular among drug addicts. Since April 2023, police have identified fentanyl admixtures in around 7% of the drug samples checked. Fentanyl is often abused and can cause serious long-term effects such as muscle stiffness and dependence. The reporting by Buten un Binnen points out that the drug advice center “Comeback” has been offering rapid fentanyl tests in the consumption room since June 2024, although most of the tests were unremarkable. This monitoring is crucial in order to react quickly to the dangers and protect those affected.

Accumulation of emergencies and offers of help

The number of drug-induced emergencies has also increased. In 2024, 44 cases were registered, and by the end of June 2025 this number had already risen to 45 - a development that is worrying. The emergency call numbers show that the emergency services have already had to be called 32 times. The emergency drug naloxone, which blocks the effects of opioids and is considered life-saving, was administered in 25 cases in 2025, helping to reduce acute risks. This medication is also made available in the protected consumption rooms so that help can be provided as quickly as possible.

An innovative concept to combat these problems is the Drug Checking Ordinance, which the Bremen Senate passed in July 2025. This measure aims to support users in checking their drugs and identifying potentially dangerous substances at an early stage. Lea Albrecht from the drug counseling service calls for an expansion of the range of support in order to offer sustainable support for people suffering from addiction, including the provision of naloxone and drug checking.

The developments in Bremen show that the drug problem requires urgent action. The planned drug consumption room is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether it can meet the enormous demands. In addition, education and comprehensive offers of help are essential in order to provide those affected with the best possible support and to protect the health of the Bremen population.

For further information about the numbers on substance dependence, we refer to the evaluations of the 2018 Epidemiological Addiction Survey and the 2021 Gambling Survey, which illustrate the situation in detailed analyses the Federal Drug Commissioner holds on.

The coming months will show whether Bremen can overcome the challenges in drug help in order to offer people at risk a safe place to go and curb the dangers of drug use.