Overview
The Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) is a national network of researchers, service providers, policy makers and people with lived experience of substance use dedicated to translating evidence-based interventions for substance use into clinical practice, community-based prevention, harm reduction and health system changes. In response to the ongoing overdose crisis, CRISM has launched a national project to provide additional evidence and develop guidelines for the treatment and prevention of opioid-related disorders among youth. Drs. Fast and Knight are leading the British Columbia node of this national project, which will involve a critical gap analysis of existing substance use services for youth across BC, focus groups conducted with youth in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Prince George, a national youth summit, and a series of knowledge translation activities conducted with youth, service providers and other key stakeholders.
Objectives
The objectives of the study are to:
- Guide service providers and policymakers to reflect on their current interventions and approaches, then review the extent to which their current strategies correspond to the perceived needs of young people.
- Support service providers to develop their understanding and knowledge of the needs young people, and increase their ability to implement new evidence-based interventions.
- Facilitate and expand the implementation of evidence-based and youth-driven/informed interventions that could directly or indirectly impact on youth opioid-related behaviors.
Partners
Throughout all stages of the research, we are working closely with the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS) Peer Research Team and Youth Advisory Council.
Our other partners include:
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver-Directions Youth Services
- UNYA (Urban Native Youth Association)
- YMCA of Northern BC-Youth Around Prince and Foundry
- Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna-Foundry
Funders
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Interested in finding out more about the CRISM At-Risk Youth/Newer Users Study?
Please contact Danya Fast at [email protected].