"The drug is not the problem" : the perceptions of those who have experienced substance addiction on Canadian drug policy

In recent years thousands of people have died due to illicit drug overdoses caused by increasingly powerful and contaminated substances offered through the illicit drug market (Corace et al., 2019). The current drug-related overdose crisis has presented an opportunity for drug policy changes throughout Canada. While the current government has made progressive changes to Canadian drug policy in recent years, further research on effective and efficient drug policy is warranted to combat the growing concerns related to the harms associated with drug use and substance addiction. This study furthers the understanding of how those who have experienced substance addiction view the current and past drug policies in Canada. This research also served to gain this population’s insight on the effective and ineffective drug strategies within the system and what approach would best prevent and treat substance addiction. To complete this research, 19 qualitative one-on-one interviews were conducted with individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing substance addiction. Several related themes emerged from the interviews, including findings that demonstrate the support among people who have had substance addiction for: the decriminalization of all illicit substances in Canada; a legalized safe supply of specific illicit substances; a rehabilitated and modern approach to treatment programs for substance addiction; and the reduction or elimination of stigmatization towards people who use drugs. The findings of this research add to the growing body of literature that considers the perspectives of those who are addicted to illicit substances – a population that is arguably the most affected by drug policy.