Publications

The CDPE adheres to the highest standards of peer-reviewed scientific research. To request a copy of any publication that is not open access, please email info@cdpe.org.

Supervised consumption service use and high-frequency public injecting among people who inject drugs in Toronto: A cross-sectional analysis (2018–2020)

as part of T-DOT (Toronto Disparities, Overdose and Treatment)

This study examines the association between supervised consumption service (SCS) use and high-frequency public injecting among people who inject drugs in Toronto, highlighting the role of housing instability in shaping drug-related risks. Findings suggest that recent SCS use is associated with lower rates of frequent public injecting, underscoring the importance of accessible harm reduction services and integrated housing supports.
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The Detection of Novel Nitazene-Class Opioids in Unregulated Drug Markets in Canada

as part of T-DOT (Toronto Disparities, Overdose and Treatment)

This study examined the emergence of nitazenes in Canada's unregulated drug supply using drug checking, police seizure, and overdose data. Findings highlight the growing presence of these highly potent synthetic opioids and underscore the need for enhanced drug market monitoring and overdose prevention efforts.
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Recent hydromorphone injection and risk of incident infective endocarditis among people who inject drugs in Toronto, Canada: a cohort study

as part of T-DOT (Toronto Disparities, Overdose and Treatment)

This study examined whether injection of hydromorphone was associated with an increased risk of infective endocarditis among people who inject drugs. No clear association was found, highlighting the need for larger studies to better understand the relationship between specific injected drugs and infective endocarditis risk.
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A continuum of disconnection: the impacts of safer supply program closures on continuity of care, transition, and total loss of service access

as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

This study examines the impacts of Safer Supply Program closures on continuity of care, health, and overdose risk in Ontario. Findings demonstrate that maintaining access to integrated, low-barrier harm reduction services is critical to supporting health, stability, and reducing reliance on the unregulated drug supply.
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Supervised Consumption Sites, Public Safety & Crime: The Evidence

Supervised consumption sites (SCS) are evidence-based harm reduction interventions where people can consume drugs under supervision while accessing sterile equipment, and receive emergency overdose response and referrals to care and treatment if needed. Existing peer-reviewed evidence indicates that these sites reduce overdose mortality and risk behaviours associated with infectious diseases, and increase access to substance use treatment and other forms of care.
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Critical Appraisal of “Healthcare utilization and mortality after overdose prevention site closure: A linked cohort analysis using segmented difference-in-differences time series”

This brief critical appraisal is intended to support interpretation and outline key limitations of a study published in the journal Addiction on March 10th, 2026 entitled “Healthcare utilization and mortality after overdose prevention site closure: A linked cohort analysis using segmented difference-in-differences time series”.
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Police encounters among people who use drugs in Toronto, Canada

as part of T-DOT (Toronto Disparities, Overdose and Treatment)

Drawing on survey data from people who use drugs in Toronto, this study finds high levels of police contact and violence, with disproportionate impacts on Indigenous and sexual minority individuals. The findings point to systemic racism within policing practices and emphasize the need for criminal legal reforms that reduce harm and promote equity for marginalized communities.
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