High Stakes, Higher Hopes: Cracking BC's Drug Crisis Code

Interventions - What's Working,
- More We Can Do!

“Just the facts, mam.” I’m probably really dating my age here with that quote. Jack Webb’s character on the TV series Dragnet was all about getting down to the heart of any problem.

In this article, we’re going to attempt to do the same. Let’s take an easy read on where we are with BC’s Drug Crisis interventions and then look at some opportunities that could make all the difference to slow down the deaths from the toxic drug supply and crisis.

We’ll do this in bullet form – keeping it as simple as possible. No long-winded hooey, phooey hot air – just the facts, mam. By the way – we’ve provided an extensive list of resources at the end of this article. Don’t forget to check them out!

What's Happening in BC Now?

Folks, first things first, let's talk about what our government and health systems are already doing! Some people would have you believe nothing is working, but that’s just not factual.

Our systems are doing incredible work – Although, like a huge ship on the ocean, once you turn the wheel, it can seem like it’s taking forever for the bow to begin to move. Can we do more? Sure and we’ll speak to that in a moment.

How do we know programs are making a difference? – Great question 😊! We do have some statistics, mostly from the BC Coroner’s Service. The last few months have shown a slight decline in overdose deaths, Approx an 8% to 10% decline from last year. Let’s hope this trend continues.

So, let’s do a quick review of some of the main programs working to keep people alive.

1. Harm Reduction Programs: BC offer a pragmatic and compassionate approach to the toxic drug crisis. These initiatives, act as a crucial safety net, significantly reducing overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases. Beyond just saving lives, these programs create vital connections between people who use drugs and health services, opening doors to treatment and support that might otherwise remain closed.
   
   By treating people who use substances with dignity and providing non-judgmental care, harm reduction efforts help break down stigma, encouraging more people to seek help. It's not about condoning the use of substances, but rather about keeping people alive and healthy enough to make positive changes when they're ready. In essence, harm reduction is planting seeds of hope in a landscape of crisis.
   
   Some of the following initiatives are sub-initiatives of harm reduction, however, because of their importance and impact on the crisis, I’ve specifically listed them.
   
   
2. Overdose Prevention Sites: These are like lifeguard stations at a beach with really rough waves. They're there to keep an eye on people and jump in if someone's in trouble.
   
   
3. Naloxone Distribution: This is our superhero drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. The government's handing these out everywhere, because the stats show that for every overdose death, there have been at least 30 overdoses that were reversed. We’ve lost over 14,000 people in BC since 2016. Do the math and you’ll see naloxone saves lives! (I believe that the 30 number is very conservative) The bottom line is - Naloxone saves lives!
   
   
4. Medical Regulated Safe Supply Programs: We are having success with some very small trials at this time. Only about 5% of people with severe opioid substance disorders can access safe supply. It’s also not universal across every community in the Province.
   
   Imagine if instead of buying mystery meat from a sketchy food truck, you could get a safe, government-approved burger. That's kind of what safe regulated supply is about – providing safer alternatives to poisoned street drugs. Sort of like when we regulated alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, but in the case of opioids, using a medicalized model as a first step.
   
   
5. Let's look take a look at OAT Therapy in BC. OAT stands for Opioid Agonist Treatment, which is a way to help people struggling with opioid addiction. It's like a superhero power-up that helps them fight against the harmful effects of Opioids. In this treatment, doctors provide special medications (These medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) that work in a way similar to opioids but are safer and less addictive. It's like giving them a shield to protect them from the dangers of addiction. These medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to focus on their recovery. OAT Therapy also includes counseling and support to help patients understand their addiction and develop healthy coping skills. It's like having a team of experts cheering you on and guiding you towards a better life. OAT Therapy has been proven to be effective in helping many people overcome opioid addiction and live healthier, happier lives.
   
   
6. Decriminalization (sort of): BC's tried out a new approach where having small amounts of certain drugs isn't a criminal offence. Sadly, it’s been a bit of a cock up. Hopefully, those in Government policy learned from the outcome for future potentially innovative programs. An unforeseen bubble of Decrim was the increased visible use of drugs in our community. Given the public outcry, the Government responded by rescinding most of the decrim policy, making the use of drugs illegal in public. People can still be in possession of very small amounts of substances, (we didn’t legalize – just decriminalized) but public use is now an offence again.
   
   The concept is still valid. Decrim was about removing stigma by clearly identifying substance use as a health disorder – not criminal behaviour. It's like saying, "We know you're struggling, let's get you help instead of handcuffs."
   
   The resulting public use of substances from the Decrim trial certainly pointed out to all of us just how huge the crisis has become and how many BC families, friends and neighbours have been impacted by substance disorders.
   
   
7. Education and Awareness Programs: These initiatives aim to arm everyone - from students to seniors - with life-saving knowledge. They're not your grandma's "Just Say No" campaigns; instead, they offer straight talk about drug risks, signs of overdose, and how to help in an emergency.
   
   Schools are bringing in real-life stories and interactive workshops, making the issue hit home for young folks. Community centres are hosting info sessions that are more engaging than a Netflix binge. Even social media is getting in on the action, with catchy campaigns that spread faster than the latest dance craze. Our own Port Alberni Community Action Team Facebook channel is a perfect example. Come take a look!
   
   The goal? To create a province-wide network of informed citizens who can spot trouble and know how to respond. It's about turning bystanders into potential lifesavers. After all, in this crisis, knowledge isn't just power - it's a matter of life and death.
   
   
8. Enhanced Community Response: BC has implemented Situation Tables, bringing together local service providers, health authorities, and law enforcement to collaboratively address complex cases involving individuals at high risk of harm or victimization. These tables aim to connect vulnerable people with appropriate services before crises occur, balancing public safety with compassionate intervention.
   
   
9. Public Safety/Targeted Enforcement: The BC government has increased funding for specialized police units like the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC). These units focus on disrupting organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking, targeting high-level suppliers and dealers rather than individual users.

Certainly, not everything our systems are doing by a long shot, however, it is a pretty good short list of some of the main initiatives and I believe it’s making a difference. But Wait, Let’s look at the gaps and what we could do to step up our game!

Now, Onto the Million-Dollar Question:

What else can we do to stop overdoses and tackle the toxic drug crisis at its roots? Buckle up, because here comes the brainstorm:

1. Expansion of Treatment and Support Services: Frankly this is probably the biggest single contributing gap to the crisis we currently have. We need access to immediate detox/recovery programs. People with deep substance disorders can not afford to wait weeks or months for referrals. We need to recognize the need to expand access to treatment and support services that balance the demand of people struggling with addiction to the resources available. The way to start moving toward this is to set up measurements with a goal of hours instead of months.
   
   
2. Greater Access to Medical Regulated Safe Supply: This is a hot potato, but hear me out. If we can't stop people from using, we can at least make sure what they're using won't kill them. It's like putting seatbelts and airbags in a car – we'd prefer you don't crash, but if you do, let's make it survivable.
   
   
3. Housing First: It's hard to focus on recovery when you're worried about where you'll sleep. Providing stable housing is like giving someone solid ground to stand on before asking them to climb a mountain.
   
   
4. Expand Mental Health Services: A lot of addiction is like a weed – if you don't get to the root (often mental health issues), it'll keep coming back. We need more therapists, counsellors, and support groups.
   
   
5. Youth Prevention Programs: Let's catch 'em young! Not the drugs – the kids. We need fun, engaging programs that make staying sober cooler than any rebellious phase. We need to invest more in prevention programs. Every young person who chooses not to use substances has a huge impact on our future community.
   
   
6. Trauma-Informed Care: Many addictions start with trauma. (physical and emotional abuse) We need to train everyone – from doctors to bus drivers – to understand and respond to trauma. It's like teaching the whole province to speak a new language of compassion.
   
   
7. Job Training and Employment Support: Giving people purpose and a paycheck can be more addictive than any drug – in a good way!
   
   
8. Community Building: Loneliness is a silent killer. We need to create more spaces and events where people can connect, like a giant, province-wide block party (okay, maybe not that big, but you get the idea).

So there you have it. An easy simple bullet list that everyone can use as a reference. Remember, folks, solving this crisis is like eating an elephant – you gotta do it one bite at a time. It won't be quick, and it won't be easy, but with each step, we're moving in the right direction. Every step forward saves lives. The faster we move forward, the more lives we save!

So, let's roll up our sleeves, British Columbia! We've got work to do and lives to save. It will take all of us. The first step is to reach out to your MLAs. Give them this list or create your own. The important part is to let them know you need them to act now!

Stay safe out there, and remember – we're all in this together!

The Author: Ron Merk – Ron advocates for people and families experiencing concurrent disorders. Much of this article is evidence-based (check out the resources below). Any opinions are mine.

Resource Links:

1. Harm Reduction Programs:
   http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/harm-reduction BC Centre for Disease Control: Harm Reduction Services
2. Overdose Prevention Sites:
   https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/what-you-need-to-know/overdose-prevention  BC Government: Overdose Prevention and Supervised Consumption Sites
3. Naloxone Distribution:
   http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/harm-reduction BC Centre for Disease Control: Harm reduction, Naloxone Program and a lot more.
4. Medical Regulated Safe Supply Programs:
   https://www.bccsu.ca/opioid-use-disorder/  BC Centre on Substance Use: Risk Mitigation Guidance
5. Decriminalization:
   https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-concerns/controlled-substances-precursor-chemicals/policy-regulations/policy-documents/exemption-personal-possession-small-amounts-certain-illegal-drugs-british-columbia.html Government of Canada: Exemption for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs in B.C.
6. Education and Awareness Programs:
   https://towardtheheart.com/ Toward the Heart: Overdose Prevention and Response in BC
7. Enhanced Community Response:
   https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/policing-in-bc/collaborative-public-safety-program/situation-tables  BC Government: Situation Tables
8. Public Safety/Targeted Enforcement:
   https://www.cfseu.bc.ca/ Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit British Columbia
9. Expansion of Treatment and Support Services:
   https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-support-in-bc/substance-use-treatment-and-recovery BC Government: Substance Use Treatment and Recovery
10. Housing First:
    https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/housing-with-support/supportive-housing BC Housing: Supportive Housing
11. Mental Health Services:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use: BC Government: Mental Health Services
12. Youth Prevention Programs:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/child-teen-mental-health BC Government: Child and Youth Mental Health
13. Trauma-Informed Care:
    https://bccewh.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013_TIP-Guide.pdf BC Provincial Mental Health and Substance Use Planning Council: Trauma-Informed Practice Guide