Safe Supply and Drug Checking
Safe Supply and Drug Checking
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Cost & Benefits of Safe Supply Programs

If done properly, safe supply will keep people alive. In 2019, the city of Guelph documented 7 deaths due to drug contamination. By the end of August, 2020, these numbers had already been doubled. The drug supply is becoming increasingly tainted with fentanyl and benzodiazepines, resulting in both medical and social issues including deaths, assaults, and thefts. Action needs to be taken. Despite the barriers and stigma these programs face, implementing safe supply can provide many benefits to the community as a whole. Importantly, it is another option that individuals using drugs can choose to support them in moving toward wellness that works for them.

On this page, the cost and benefits of these programs are outlined to help describe where safe supply is at, and how communities can work toward overcoming potential barriers to experience the benefits of these programs.

Safe Supply from the perspective of:

The Substance User

Positives of safe supply from the perspective of the substance user: Provide the individual with stability as they can get the drug from a reliable source, secure in the quality and quantity of the drug. Allows the individual more time and energy to focus on other aspects of their life including (but not limited to) reconnecting with friends and family, securing a job, and finding a house. Decrease the risk of the individual experiencing unintentional overdose and other harmful outcomes from consuming contaminated drugs. introduce the individual to further supports and community. Negatives: accessibility of safe supply programs and those that offer carry doses immediately may discourage individuals from attempting other programs specifically focused on helping the individual become less dependent on opioids. Individuals could sell tablets obtained from the safe supply program in the illegal drug market to make money, producing false positive results of the program. Some individuals may have difficulty keeping appointments if they face barriers such as lacking access to transportation. Fear surrounding telling a doctor about the use of an illicit substance, and that it will change how the individual is treated.

The Health Care Provider

Positives of safe supply from the perspective of the Health Care Provider. Provincially, there are no standardized regulations for a physician who wishes to set up a safe supply program. This enables any physician to set one up based on their resources. Negatives: While the lack of regulations can lower barriers for health care providers and make these programs more accessible to communities, it doesn't allow for consistency of punitive measures when not following guidelines, standards of practice, or ensure that a certain level of care is met.

The Pharmacist

Positives of safe supply from the perspective of the pharmacist. The establishment of a safe supply program can bring in more money and customers for the pharmacy, and allow the pharmacist to establish trust with the patient and become their advocate within the community. Negative: The hectic environment within pharmacies may lead to confusion between patients filling prescriptions and those interested in safe supply. There may also be limited space available for private counselling for safe supply participants. Image of the pharmacy may be negatively affected if associated with individuals who use illicit drugs.

The Community

Positives of safe supply from the perspective of the community. More individuals utilizing safe supply results in less withdrawal symptoms and overdoses occurring on the streets. Stigma surrounding substance abusers can be reduced through the promotion of substance use being a health issue as opposed to a series of poor personal choices. Negative: Implementation of safe supply programs may not be well-received within the community, as many people still view these programs as feeding the addiction of drug users instead of another treatment option that helps keep people alive and working towards a better quality of life. Tax payers may not want their tax dollars to be invested in something they view as illegal or not beneficial to the community.

Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs. (2019). Safe Supply Concept Document. Retrieved from https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/capud-safe-supply-concept-document.pdf  

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