Contemporary Drug Problems最新文献

Background: In 2021, NYC implemented overdose prevention center (OPC) services at two existing syringe exchange programs, allowing people to use pre-obtained drugs on-site. Although OPCs in Canada, Western Europe, and Australia have demonstrated their feasibility and benefits towards reducing overdose risk and drug-related harm, there is less data on how people who use drugs (PWUD) conceptualize the benefits and any potential drawbacks of using OPCs.

Methods: In June-August 2022, we conducted 26 semistructured interviews with people in New York City who used unprescribed opioids. Interviews lasted 30-60 min and were conducted remotely using Zoom and later transcribed by a professional service. Data were then coded, using AtlasTi, into meaningful categories using a thematic approach based on the aims of the study and existing literature.

Results: Most participants had heard of OnPoint and reported a willingness to use it. They described the ability of OnPoint staff to reverse an overdose quickly and the presence of naloxone, oxygen, and other supplies as the primary benefits. Yet, many also noted that OPCs provide PWUD with a place to escape from the weather and/or avoid law enforcement. Participants also reported concerns about how far PWUD would be willing to travel or wait to use an OPC and for the autonomy of PWUD in the context of formal, sanctioned OPCs.

Conclusions: Results suggest that many PWUD in NYC are well-informed about OnPoint and are willing to use OPCs. Yet, to fulfil their potential, OPCs must be located near to where PWUD live, and should be made as low-threshold as possible. However, since it is unlikely that OPCs will be expanded enough to meet the need and because some PWUD will never choose to use in sanctioned OPCs, expanding the reach of alternative strategies, such as Mobile Overdose Response Services, is recommended.

Using a constructivist grounded theory design, this study explores the perception and experience of Iranian women living with drug use, identifying everyday conflicts and coping strategies that enable them to manage their situation. We conducted unstructured, in-depth interviews with abstinent drug users (11) and healthcare professionals (2) at three rehab centers in Tehran, Iran. In line with our grounded theory aspirations to explore the social meanings of women's drug use and addiction, we supplemented the interviews with a surrounding material consisting of articles published in the main national newspaper from 2015 to 2018 and a film documentary (10 parts, 3 h) entitled "Iranian Women of Addiction," (Shab boohay-e-sokhteh) (2010-2011). Our analysis resulted in two main bundles of meaning-making that we claim are permeating the everyday lives of Iranian women with drug use: the double decline in character, and self-shielding. The study reveals the simultaneous presence of two stigmatized identities: drug use and sex work (fahsha). It shows that the stigma of sex work is closely connected to a drug-related identity, irrespective of whether women are actively involved in sex work or not. The findings illustrate how societal views are biased against drug user women in the domain of drug use, diminishing their presence and voice. The interviewees tried to manage by developing a peer network, adopting a protective role, and becoming intrinsically motivated to quit drug use. The study furthers our understanding of women's alarming and complex realities in traditional Islamic and familistic patriarchal structures.