Original research
by
Ivsins, Andrew et al
Release Date
2024
Geography
Canada
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
Yes
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Yes
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
Safer supply programs are intended to reduce overdose events by limiting people's use of the contaminated drug supply, but the experiences of people receiving hydromorphone vary. In this article we explore the ways people repurpose hydromorphone to address unmet needs.
Findings/Key points
These findings demonstrate how people who use drugs are maximizing the benefits of tablet hydromorphone distribution to address unmet needs. Hydromorphone distribution programs represent a public health and harm reduction intervention that is usefully addressing experiences related to structural vulnerabilities (such as inadequate pain management), which are often overlooked amongst stigmatized groups.
Design/methods
This article draws on in-depth qualitative interviews from two studies evaluating hydromorphone tablet distribution programs in British Columbia, Canada.
Keywords
About PWUD
Advocacy
Barriers and enablers
Chronic pain
Harm reduction
Injecting drugs
Mental health
Opioids
Overdose
Stigma
Safer supply
Withdrawal
