Publications - CDPE

Supervised Consumption Services in Ontario: Evidence and Recommendations

On August 20th, 2024, the Ontario provincial government announced new legislation that would force the closure of most of Ontario’s supervised consumption services. This ban was announced without presenting any supporting scientific, clinical, or public health evidence. This report, is intended to fill this gap. Read about the range of public health and safety impacts these sites provide for our community.

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A cross-sectional assessment of injection of “salts” and HIV transmission-related behaviours among a cohort of people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan

In this study, researchers examined people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan and compared those using "salts" with those who did not. They found that salt users engaged in riskier injection behaviours, were less likely to use syringe service programs, and may face higher risk for HIV and other blood-borne viruses.

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A sex- and gender-based analysis of alcohol treatment intervention research involving youth: A methodological systematic review

as part of Systematic Reviews on Drug Policy

This systematic review assesses how sex and gender are considered in alcohol treatment research for youth, finding that most studies conflate these factors and rarely include trans or intersex participants, highlighting the need for more inclusive and precise research practices.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in three Canadian cities: a cross-sectional analysis

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on people who use drugs (PWUD) in major Canadian cities, highlighting challenges in meeting basic needs, accessing harm reduction services, and maintaining treatment continuity, with implications for future public health preparedness.

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Comparison of safety and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy regimens among pregnant women living with HIV at preconception or during pregnancy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

as part of Systematic Reviews on Drug Policy

This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of different ART regimens among pregnant women living with HIV at preconception or during pregnancy.

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A qualitative assessment of tablet injectable opioid agonist therapy (TiOAT) in rural and smaller urban British Columbia, Canada: Motivations and initial impacts

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

This study explores a novel therapeutic approach combining behavioral therapy with non-opioid medication to manage chronic pain, showing improved pain relief, emotional well-being, and daily functioning in patients.

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Financial Vulnerability and Its Association with HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors Among People Who Inject Drugs in Kyrgyzstan

In this study, researchers examined financial vulnerability among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan and its link to HIV risk behaviors. They found that greater housing and essential needs insecurity were associated with riskier injection practices, highlighting the importance of addressing financial vulnerability in the HIV response.

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A Preliminary Assessment of Short-Term Social and Substance Use-Related Outcomes Among Clients of Integrated Safer Opioid Supply Pilot Programs in Toronto, Canada

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

This study found that clients of safer opioid supply (SOS) programs in Toronto experienced fewer overdoses and reduced use of unregulated drugs. Participants also reported improved social outcomes, suggesting SOS programs may help mitigate overdose risks.

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A Roadmap for Cannabis Equity in Canada to Inform the Legislated Review of the Cannabis Act

as part of Policy Impact Unit

This report analyzes the impact of the Cannabis Act on equity seeking groups and draws on best practices to develop a roadmap for cannabis equity in Canada, with the aim of informing the federal legislated review of the Cannabis Act.

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Challenges of implementing safer supply programs in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis

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

This publication examines the implementation challenges faced by Canada's safer supply pilot programs, which provide pharmaceutical alternatives to individuals accessing the unregulated drug supply, highlighting organizational, structural, and procedural barriers encountered during their initial phases.

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