The latest news articles featuring BC Centre on Substance Use.
B.C.’s drug decriminalization pilot excludes young users — and that will marginalize them, experts fear
January 14, 2023 | CBC News
Experts say an upcoming pilot to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs in British Columbia could increase risks for vulnerable youth because it excludes people under 18. As of Jan. 31, people aged 18 and older will be able to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, ...
Animal tranquillizer xylazine is now in Canada’s street drug supply. Here’s what to know
January 13, 2023 | Global News
A powerful animal tranquillizer that has been infiltrating street drugs in the United States has been increasingly showing up in Canada’s illicit opioid supply — a phenomenon that has experts “deeply concerned.” Xylazine, a sedative and analgesic normally used in veterinary medicine to sed...
DTES advocates say police near overdose prevention sites deter people from accessing care
January 12, 2023 | CTV News Vancouver
Advocates for people who use drugs say the police presence near overdose prevention sites on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is deterring people from accessing life-saving care due to the lack of trust between law enforcement and the community. BeeLee Lee, the vice president of the Coalition of Peer...
Environment in modular, supportive housing brings instability and uncertainty, says researcher
January 11, 2023 | Maple Ridge News
Questions are being raised about how effective temporary modular housing and supportive housing has been in helping people living on the streets. There are two supportive housing complexes in Maple Ridge, and a temporary modular housing facility on Royal Crescent that is slated to be replaced by a m...
Doctor discusses drug use study conducted in qathet region
January 10, 2023 | Powell River Peak
A study of people who use drugs conducted in the qathet region found a variety of negative consequences, likening the situation for drug users as living in a goldfish bowl. Dr. Geoff Bardwell, the study’s lead, who is affiliated with BC Centre on Substance Use, and is also an assistant professor i...
