Convenience and comfort: reasons reported for using drugs alone among clients of harm reduction sites in British Columbia, Canada

Original research
by
Papamihali, Kristi et al

Release Date

2020

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study aimed to assess prevalence and reasons for using drugs alone among people accessing harm reduction services in BC.

Findings/Key points

Using drugs alone, particularly for convenience and comfort, is ubiquitous among people accessing harm reduction services. Overdose prevention measures that go beyond individual behaviour changes, including providing a safer supply of drugs and eliminating stigma, are paramount to mitigate harms. These interventions are especially necessary as emergence of coronavirus disease may further exacerbate unpredictability of illicit drug content and overdose risk.

Design/methods

n=414 harm reduction site clients from 22 locations in BC

Keywords

Overdose
Harm reduction
Policy/Regulatory
Safer supply
About PWUD
Sex/Gender
Stigma