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

Commentary
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

This article provides a critical socio-historical analysis of heroin (opioid) regulation with a focus on Canadian federal and provincial policies in the province of B.C., especially the city of Vancouver.

Constatations/points à retenir

Examining Canada's history of heroin criminalization provides a window to understand the systemic discrimination against people who use illegal heroin and other opioids. 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

2SLGBTQI+
About PWUD
Advocacy
Illegal drugs
Clinical guidance
Legal system/law enforcement
Overdose
Policy/Regulatory