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Safer opioid supply: qualitative program evaluation

Marlene Haines1, Patrick O'Byrne2

  • 1School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Guindon Hall RGN 3051, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada. marlene.haines@uottawa.ca.

Harm Reduction Journal
|April 20, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Safer Supply programs provide pharmaceutical-grade medication to reduce harms from toxic illicit drugs. Participants found these programs effective for substance use goals, despite some concerns, highlighting their importance in the overdose crisis.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Harm Reduction

Background:

  • Canada faces an escalating overdose crisis, necessitating innovative interventions.
  • Safer Supply programs offer pharmaceutical-grade medications to individuals who use drugs.
  • These programs aim to replace illicit drug use and mitigate associated harms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the lived experiences of participants in Safer Supply programs.
  • To understand the perceived benefits and challenges of Safer Supply from a participant perspective.

Main Methods:

  • Semi-structured interviews and surveys were conducted with Safer Supply participants in Ottawa, Canada.
  • Interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis.
  • Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

  • Participants frequently reported benefits such as community, connection, hope, and autonomy.
  • Concerns included restrictive protocols, insufficient medication supply, and drug diversion.
  • The majority of participants viewed Safer Supply as effective for their substance use objectives.

Conclusions:

  • Safer Supply programs are perceived as effective and impactful by participants.
  • Despite noted concerns, these programs represent a vital harm reduction strategy.
  • Safer Supply is crucial for supporting people who use drugs during the ongoing overdose crisis.
Keywords:
Harm reductionOverdose crisisPeople who use drugsQualitative researchSafer SupplySafer opioid supply

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