"It's like super structural" - Overdose experiences of youth who use drugs and police in three non-metropolitan cities across British Columbia

Marion Selfridge; Alissa Greer; Kiffer G Card; Scott Macdonald; Bernie Pauly

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102623

"It's like super structural" - Overdose experiences of youth who use drugs and police in three non-metropolitan cities across British Columbia

Int J Drug Policy. 2020 Feb:76:102623. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102623. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Authors

Marion Selfridge¹, Alissa Greer², Kiffer G Card³, Scott Macdonald⁴, Bernie Pauly⁵

Affiliations

¹ Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada. Electronic address: mselfridge@coolaid.org.
² Department of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
³ Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada; School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
⁴ Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada; School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
⁵ Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada; School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.

PMID: 31865117
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102623

Abstract

Introduction: Youth who use drugs (YWUD) are vulnerable to experience or encounter drug related overdose deaths. Fentanyl has increased the risks, calling greater attention to overdose. In response, there have been increases in harm reduction services and policies such as the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) which exempts people who witness an overdose and call 9-1-1 from being charged for possession of drugs. However, fear of police continues to be a barrier to calling 9-1-1. This paper focuses on the experiences of youth with police in overdose situations and their knowledge of GSDOA.

Methods: Youth, aged 16-30, who had used drugs at least weekly, and had encountered police in the past year were recruited between May 2017 and June 2018 in three non-metropolitan cities in British Columbia, Canada. 38 participants completed qualitative interviews asking them about their experiences with police, overdose, decisions to call 9-1-1, and their understanding of the GSDOA. Their responses were coded in NVIVO and analyzed using interpretive description.

Results: For many YWUD in this study, overdoses are an ever-present part of their lives and fear of fentanyl has left them concerned for themselves and others. Negative experiences occurred when police used their power without benefit to youth or were rough or disrespectful, without care for the person overdosing. Youth saw police in a positive light if they were compassionate, stepping aside for paramedics or reviving someone experiencing an overdose. Youth had very mixed knowledge of the GSDOA and were concerned about criminalization if they called 9-1-1.

Conclusions: Collaboration with police and local stakeholders is required to address the concerns of YWUD and to increase awareness and penetration of policies such as the GSDOA. Changes to policing cultures that prioritize health rather than criminalize YWUD may increase youth's trust of police and increase calls to 9-1-1.

Keywords: Drug overdose; Harm reduction; Naloxone; Police discretion; Youth who use drugs.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
British Columbia
Cities
Drug Overdose* / drug therapy
Humans
Pharmaceutical Preparations*
Police

Substances

Pharmaceutical Preparations