'I don't chase drugs as much anymore, and I'm not dead': Client reported outcomes associated with safer opioid supply programs in Ontario, Canada.
Drug Alcohol Rev
; 42(7): 1825-1837, 2023 11.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37718646
INTRODUCTION: The ongoing opioid overdose crisis, which has killed over 30,000 people in Canada since 2016, is driven by the volatility of an unregulated opioid drug supply comprised primarily of fentanyl. The Canadian government has recently funded safer opioid supply (SOS) programs, which include off-label prescriptions of pharmaceutical-grade opioids to high risk individuals with the goal of reducing overdose deaths. METHODS: In 2021, we examined the implementation and adaption of four SOS programs in Ontario. These programs use a primary care model and serve communities experiencing marginalisation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with program clients. We present the results of a thematic analysis with the aim of describing clients' self-reported impact of these programs on their health and well-being. RESULTS: We interviewed 52 clients between June and October 2021 (mean age 47 years, 56% men, 17% self-identified Indigenous, 14% living with HIV). Our results indicate multifaceted pathways to improved self-reported health and well-being among clients including changes to drug use practices, fewer overdoses, reduced criminalised activity, improved trust and engagement in health care, and increased social stability (e.g., housing). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Most clients reported that the intervention saved their life because of the reduced frequency of overdoses. Findings suggest that SOS programs improved clients' health outcomes and increase opportunities for engagement in health services. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms behind some of the emergent evidence on the impact of safer supply prescribing.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sobredosis de Droga
/
Analgésicos Opioides
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Drug Alcohol Rev
Asunto de la revista:
TRANSTORNOS RELACIONADOS COM SUBSTANCIAS
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá
Pais de publicación:
Australia