Safer supply programs have been around for a minimum of 4 decades in the UK, and have been adopted most recently here in Canada, and  have an incredibly high rate of success.

Success isn’t measured by abstinence and paternalistic practices, but by any positive change. It is important to note that 76% of all opioid related deaths in Canada were related to Fentanyl, there have been more than 34,000 opioid poisoning related deaths since 2016 and NB has the second highest IV substance use rate in the country per capita. 1 New Brunswicker,  every 4 days suffer a substance related death. (Source)

Safer supply program access lowers the risk of a toxic drug poisoning, increases mental health and wellness, and lowers stress in participants. Some of the measurable outcomes in reports also included,  better eating habits, increased physical healthiness and personal hygiene and overall happiness. The reduced risk of infection, incarceration, harmful behaviour and withdrawal symptoms are  life changing effects these types of programs have.

By Ashley Legere