A qualitative study on perceptions and experiences of overdose among people who smoke drugs in Vancouver, British Columbia

Ivsins, Andrew; Bonn, Matt; McNeil, Ryan; Boyd, Jade; Kerr, Thomas

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111275

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…PWUD report preferring smoking over injecting substances for a variety of reasons, including lower financial costs of fentanyl compared to heroin, reduced stigma, improved health benefits (e.g. fewer skin and soft tissue infections), and perceived lower risk of overdose compared to injecting (Kral et al, 2021; Ivsins et al, 2024). Secondary analyses of mortality records between 2020 and 2022 identified a marked increase in overdose deaths with evidence of smoking and a decrease in deaths with evidence of injection (Tanz et al, 2024).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recent transition to smoking is not limited to those using opioids. People who use stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, have also reported switching to smoking, primarily due to overdose fears when non-prescribed fentanyl entered the unregulated drug market (Ivsins et al, 2024). As the prevalence of polysubstance use involving fentanyl and methamphetamine rises (Friedman & Shover, 2023; Han et al, 2021), it is crucial that service organizations adapt to the growing needs of PWUD, which involves access to harm reduction and treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distributing Safer Smoking Pipes Increases Engagement with Harm Reduction Services in the United States: Findings from the National Survey of Syringe Services Programs

Chung,

Patel,

Wenger

et al. 2024

Preprint

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BackgroundIn response to the recent and growing shift from injecting opioids to smoking fentanyl, an increasing number of syringe services programs (SSPs) in the USA are distributing safer smoking supplies. A recent federal ban prevents SSPs from using federal funding to procure safer smoking supplies. There is a lack of research on safer smoking supply distribution and harm reduction outcomes. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between distribution of safer smoking supplies by SSPs and levels of participant engagement and naloxone distribution.MethodsWe used data from the 2023 National Survey of Syringe Services Programs (NSSSP) (N=429), which measured services delivered in 2022. SSPs reported whether they distributed safer smoking pipes (yes/no). We examined the relationship between safer smoking pipe distribution and two outcomes: the number of participant encounters and naloxone doses distributed.ResultsThere were 187 SSPs (43.6%) that distributed pipes for smoking to participants. Compared to SSPs that did not distribute pipes, those that distributed pipes reported more participant encounters (aRR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.09-2.02) and naloxone dose distribution (aRR=1.21, 95% CI: 0.89-1.65), though this latter finding was not statistically significant.ConclusionsFindings showed SSPs distributing safer smoking pipes had more participant engagement and naloxone distribution. To maximize their full individual and population-level health benefits, SSPs should be supported technically, legally, and financially to implement safer smoking supply distribution for their participants.HighlightsIn 2022, 44% of syringe services programs (SSPs) distributed safer smoking pipes.More community-based organizations distributed pipes than public health or health care programs.Distribution of safer smoking pipes was associated with more participant encounters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%