this has been a growing problem, with the u.s., canada, united kingdom and others seeing dramatically increased use, and as a result, an ever-increasing overdose problem — culminating in almost 17 deaths per day in canada alone. this would be a national health emergency any time, but is greatly magnified during covid as health care tries to manage the pandemic while struggling to support this already difficult-to-access client group.
overall, canada has responded to addiction by targeting the elimination of drug use. often this focuses on different programs aimed at the person who uses drugs, not the community generally. but focusing just on the individual user sells short the wider impacts of some programs. a case in point is the discussion surrounding “safe supply” of drugs — which usually takes the form of alternative drug therapy or replacement drug therapy.
safe supply can replace “street drugs” with a substitute that can help the individual, through a public health model. it can reduce harm, ensure medical engagement/oversight and provide a health response to a health problem.
but an area that is seldom discussed and often overlooked is the overall impact that a safe supply program could have on the general public. when i worked as the police chief in ottawa, i saw first-hand the impact the illegal drug trade had on the community — not just the drug trafficking itself but the impact of that drug trade on the community as those affected by addiction participated in ever-increasing criminal activity to address their dependent substance use. often their offences were considered minor — by the police and the community — but as the drug trade grew so did the number of offences and community impact. when i met with residents in communities such as vanier, lowertown and others, citizens were clear they wanted less crime and a feeling of safety with less criminality in their community.