Health Minister Stéphanie Rist declared on April 20, 2026 that she was " favorable "to the experimentation of an addiction treatment center (HSA) for drug users in Marseille, which has been under discussion for several years, provided that all local elected officials agree on one place“.
What is an addiction treatment center?
Addiction treatment centers were conceived as a public health initiative. In France, there are only two, and fewer than 200 worldwide. Their objective is to reduce the risks of infection and health deterioration for people living in extreme poverty. These individuals generally live on the streets and are far removed from the healthcare system. By attending an addiction treatment center, they have the opportunity to consume substances under the supervision of trained medical and social staff, or, more practically, to receive medical treatment in hygienic conditions. Access and registration are unconditional. These centers rebuild lost social connections and reconnect these individuals to a healthcare pathway if they request it.
Two HSAs in France: an improvement in people's health"
“ There are two HSAs in France, one in Paris and one in the Grand Est region, which are in the experimental phase and at this stage, showing an improvement in public health. (sic) people" , said Ms. Rist, during a trip to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.
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In Paris and Strasbourg, " Overdoses are decreasing significantly, and fewer syringes are being collected in public places."The minister clarified, adding that she did not have any data regarding the impact on public order." Citizens, who are sometimes against these addiction treatment centers, believe they will be more dangerous for them and for the neighborhood, so these trials need to show results so we can reassure them." she continued.
The new prefect is in favor of "a site that everyone agrees on"
In Marseille, " HSA is a really important issue", acknowledged Ms. Rist. Personally, I am in favor of these HSAs when all local elected officials agree on a location, preferably near a healthcare facility."The Parisian and Strasbourg HSAs are both located near or within hospital complexes.
Unlike his predecessor, the new prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, Jacques Witkowski is not closed to the idea of a system to help drug users, often in situations of great precarity. He recently said he was ready to support an experiment " if we offer (him) a site that everyone agrees on" . " A global consensus is needed." , the state representative insisted to the press.
Residents' concerns
Several associations and residents' groups in the center of Marseille are calling for the creation of a High-Speed Area (HSA), but the project is also dividing residents of the potentially affected neighborhoods, some of whom are refusing it. a shooting gallery "at their doorstep." The left-wing mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, said he was in favor of installing such a structure, although he had not actively supported this project during his first term.
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The HSAs in Paris and Strasbourg have conclusive health and social effects
While awaiting a decision, a mobile outreach bus has been relaunched. Launched 40 years ago at the height of the AIDS epidemic, harm reduction (HR) policy in France has implemented several reception services for different groups of drug users (Caarud, Csapa).Addiction Treatment Centers (Halte Soins Addiction) are currently around one hundred in Europe, but only two in France, in Paris and Strasbourg. Their trial period was due to end at the end of December but has been extended for two years, until December 2027. This trial, which began about ten years ago, has been positively evaluated by the...Inserm in 2021, then by the Hospices civiles de Lyon in 2025and a report by the General Inspectorates of Administration, and of Social Affairs and Administration, made public in January 2026.
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This report recommends the creation of other reception centers in France. as close as possible to the places of consumption and the nuisances"The device" reduces the risk of infection, overdoses, and somatic illnesses" , " the risks of emergency room visits and associated costs "and finally he" does not [generate] delinquency“In Paris, local residents did not want to return to the unsafe situation that existed before the opening of the HSA, according to statements from the head of the Parisian addiction treatment center located in the Gare du Nord district.” Jamel Lazicwho was answering questions from Science and Future in January of this year.
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