Overdose Prevention and Housing: a Qualitative Study Examining Drug Use, Overdose Risk, and Access to Safer Supply in Permanent Supportive Housing in Vancouver, Canada

Original research
by
Ivsins, Andrew et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

In this study, we describe the drug use practices — including access to and use of on-site supervised consumption, OAT, and prescribed safer supply medications — of study participants living in permanent supportive housing with integrated primary care, substance use treatment services, and supervised consumption spaces.

Findings/Key points

Most (N = 27) study participants reported using alone in their rooms, despite having access to an on-site supervised consumption area. Reasons for using alone include the following: preference for being alone, discretion/stigma, and restrictive housing policies. Less than half (N = 12) of the study participants accessed on-site prescribed safer supply medications. Participants receiving on-site prescribed safer supply described positive benefits including reduced use of illicit opioids, and less reliance on illicit income generation activities. On-site prescribed safer supply programs within supportive housing environments are an important tool in addressing overdose risk.

Design/methods

Qualitative interviews (n=30)

Keywords

Housing
SCS/OPS
About PWUD
Safer supply
Evidence base
Wrap-around services
Crime