BC ECHO on Substance Use

Addiction Practice Pod

BC Centre on Substance Use

  • Prescribed safer supply

Prescribed safer supply

Thursday 20th July 2023

Dive into real-world insights and practical advice on prescribed safer supply programs. Learn about reducing harm from unregulated drugs in this episode.
34 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Transformative
Hopeful

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Addiction Practice Pod
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BC ECHO on Substance Use
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Prescribed Safer Supply: Real Stories and Practical Advice

Episode Overview

  • Prescribed safer supply is a novel intervention for individuals not benefiting from or interested in treatment
  • Protocols are based on clinical experience, with ongoing evaluations to assess safety and effectiveness
  • Prescriber discretion and community safety are crucial to address unintended consequences like diversion
  • Client-centered care is essential, requiring clinicians to listen to and understand their clients' goals and needs
  • Prescribed safer supply falls within the continuum of care for substance use disorders, distinct from treatment
Prescribed safer supply is an approach that falls within the continuum of care for substance use disorders. It offers access to a regulated supply of drugs. The main goal is to reduce the risk of harms and drug toxicity deaths that come from the unregulated drug supply.
Imagine having access to a safer, regulated supply of drugs instead of risking your life with dangerous, unregulated substances. That's what this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod is all about. Dr. Marcus Greatheart and journalist David Ball are joined by a lineup of experts who share their on-the-ground experiences with prescribed safer supply programs.
First up is Corey Ranger, a harm reduction nurse educator, who explains what 'safer supply' means and offers practical steps clinicians can take to make these programs more effective. Corey also shares valuable lessons from the Victoria SAFER Initiative, shedding light on what works and what doesn’t. Next, Dr. Andrea Sereda from the Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) program in London, Ontario, discusses the critical importance of listening to clients' needs.
She shares some preliminary data showing how prescribed safer supply can reduce reliance on toxic street drugs. Lastly, Jenny McDougall, co-founder of the Coalition of Substance Users of the North (CSUN), emphasizes the need for lower-barrier care options for those affected by unregulated drug supplies. This episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice for healthcare providers eager to enhance their approach to addiction care.
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, you'll find valuable takeaways to help you support your patients better.