Heroin and the illegal drug overdose death epidemic: A history of missed opportunities and resistance

Original research
par
Boyd, Susan

Date de publication

2021

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Non

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Non

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

In examining past policies, practices, and discourse that support heroin regulation and drug prohibition, the drivers of the current illegal drug overdose death epidemic in Canada are brought more clearly into focus.

Constatations/points à retenir

From its inception, heroin prohibition has worked to brutally punish a small segment of the population, especially those who are poor, racialized, and gendered. Negative heroin discourse and stereotyping about people who use heroin had an effect, shaping drug law, policing, prisons, and policy and treatment options.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Drawing from primary and secondary sources, this article provides a critical socio-historical analysis of heroin (opioid) regulation in Canada.

Mots clés

Policy/Regulatory
Legal system/law enforcement
Equity