For many people, substance use is a way to cope with intersecting challenges such as trauma, poverty, homelessness and mental health concerns, which can create multiple barriers to having one’s basic needs met. These challenges are exacerbated by the overdose crisis, housing crisis, and COVID-19 pandemic.
Improving health care and outcomes for people who use drugs requires judgment-free, culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed care; increased access to a diverse range of harm reduction services and supports; and progressive drug policy that promotes the health, dignity and human rights of people who use drugs:
