Creating a better future for communities through research

Baseline Study of Substance Use Excluding Alcohol in Waterloo Region

Our Partners
The project was initiated by the Waterloo Region Harm Reduction Network. It was funded and managed by Waterloo Region Public Health, and guided by a multi-stakeholder steering committee.

Project Synopsis
Illicit substance use is an important public health issue in Waterloo Region, but local information about the extent of illicit substance use and the implications of this use is vague and often anecdotal. The purposes of the study were to develop a detailed description of drug use in Waterloo Region, to determine if existing programs and services are meeting the needs of persons who use drugs, and to understand challenges faced by service providers who work with this population.

This study conducted local analysis of existing data from many sources.The research team also conducted face-to-face interviews with 32 persons who use drugs regularly and 33 local service providers. Interviews with persons who use drugs regularly were conducted by community researchers who had existing contacts and credibility with drug users in the region.

Findings

Crack, cocaine, cannibis and prescription opioids appear to be the most prevalent illicit substances used. Heroin, ecstasy and other hallucinogenic drugs were also said to be widely used. The use of crystal methamphetamines is reportedly increasing.Drug use was not limited to one demographic group or sub-group; however, patterns of drug choice varied for individuals enrolled in senior elementary or high school. Hallucinogens, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine use seemed to be more prevalent among this population.

Many of the individuals interviewed for the study had significant health issues, including poor dental health, inadequate nutrition, and having a communicable disease (e.g. hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]). Despite the fact that participants were aware of available services, many chose not to access care because of lack of access to health providers trained to meet the needs of people who use drugs, fear of discrimination and/or the potential for criminal repercussions. Over half of the participants reported that their social network would be unlikely to seek medical help on their behalf in the event of an overdose.

People who use drugs have diverse and complex social needs, including appropriate housing, job readiness training, and job related skill development. Isolation and insufficient social supports are also major challenges for many people. Those who desire support in overcoming their addictions often face barriers including limited hours of service availability, pre-requisites and assessment tests, and the presence of potential triggers in areas that surround services. For those who live in rural areas, a lack of transportation is an additional challenge.

Many interviewees had been approached by outreach workers, and found that contact helpful. Outreach was considered to be more effective if it was guided by a community-wide unified approach, and if workers provided information about services, how to overcome barriers to seeking services and treatment, and offered immediate healthcare services and supplies.

Project Team:
CCBR: Andrew Taylor, Suzanne Field, Brian Barlett, Don Johnson, Leesa Stephenson, Gabriela Novotna

Waterloo Region Public Health: Chris Harold, Karen Quigley-Hobbs, Karen Verhoeve, Daniela Seskar-Hencic, Judy Maan Miedema, Marg McGee.

For more information please contact Andrew Taylor at andrew@communitybasedresearch.ca. For the full project report, follow this link.