Policy actor views on structural vulnerability in harm reduction and policymaking for illegal drugs: A qualitative study

Original research
by
Gehring, Nicole D. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Health risks associated with drug use are concentrated amongst structurally vulnerable people who use illegal drugs (PWUD). We described how Canadian policy actors view structural vulnerability in relation to harm reduction and policymaking for illegal drugs, and what solutions they suggest to reduce structural vulnerability for PWUD.

Findings/Key points

Decriminalization and safer supply have the potential to mitigate immediate structural vulnerability of PWUD while policies evolve to advance social, economic, and cultural equity.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews (n=73)

Keywords

Policy/Regulatory
About PWUD
Poverty
Equity
Housing
Legal system/law enforcement
Decriminalization/legalization
Safer supply