Possession of Drugs - A Health Led Approach

As part of a new health-led approach, the Department of Health is introducing a health screening and brief intervention for people found in possession of drugs for personal use.
The health-led approach provides hope to people who use drugs, rather making criminals of them. It means:
• A person has the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction
• Their drug use is reviewed with a healthcare worker
• High-risk drug users are given access to treatment services and other supports

The health screening and brief intervention is known as SAOR (Support, Ask and Assess, Offer Assistance and Referral).
This health-led approach does not legalise the possession of drugs.
The six steps in the health-led approach:
Step 1 Gardaí identify a person in possession of drugs for personal use.
Step 2 Gardaí refer the person to the HSE to attend a SAOR screening and brief intervention.
Step 3 The person will review their drug and alcohol use with a dedicated healthcare worker on a confidential basis.
Step 4 If a person is identified as having or at risk of problematic use, they are offered appropriate treatment or support. Their attendance for treatment is voluntary.
Step 5 Other referrals may be identified and facilitated, such as social services or harm reduction programmes.
Step 6 The person’s attendance at the brief intervention is confirmed to the Gardaí (with the person’s consent).

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