Safer supply programs: Discussions on medication diversion, sharing, and selling

Abstract

Background

Nearly 50,000 people who use drugs have died as a result of the ongoing drug poisoning crisis in Canada. To directly address concerns surrounding this crisis, safer supply pilot programs were implemented in several communities across the country. Since program implementation, discussions surrounding medication diversion have proliferated. We conducted surveys and interviews with current program participants to better understand medication diversion within the context of safer supply programs.

Methods

Safer supply program participants were recruited in Ottawa, Canada to complete semi-structured interviews and surveys. Surveys collected socio-demographic and substance use data. Survey results were reported using descriptive statistics. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results

30 people participated in this study. From interviews, seven themes arose on the topic of diversion, including 1) diversion in the context of being a person who uses drugs, 2) safety, 3) compassion, 4) meeting needs, 5) survival, 6) coercion, and 7) protecting youth.

Conclusion

Discussions with participants highlighted the importance of understanding why medication diversion occurs. Important factors influencing medication diversion included the need for safety, compassion, meeting needs, survival, and coercion faced by people who use drugs. Ultimately, medication diversion can be best understood as a measure implemented by people who use drugs to protect and care for their underserved community.